Russia to Ban Gasoline Exports From April 1 to July 31

Russia will suspend gasoline exports from April 1 through July 31, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said, instructing the energy ministry to draft the necessary legislation. Officials cited heightened volatility in global oil markets linked to the Iran war. Moscow has repeatedly restricted gasoline exports since 2024 after Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted refinery capacity. The latest ban comes as conflict in the Middle East fuels sharp swings in global fuel prices and lifts overseas demand for Russian supplies. The restriction will cover all producers, with exemptions limited to shipments made under intergovernmental agreements. Russia exported nearly 5 million metric tons of gasoline last year, about 117,000 barrels a day, adding another constraint to an already tight global fuel market.