Russia to halt petrol exports from April as domestic prices surge

WEB DESK: The Russian government has announced a comprehensive ban on gasoline exports scheduled to take effect from 1 April, aimed at stabilising a volatile domestic market.

According to reports from the state-owned news agency TASS, the restriction will remain in place until 31 July.

This decisive move comes as the Kremlin faces mounting pressure over rising fuel costs and the need to ensure sufficient supply for the nation’s agricultural sector during the crucial spring sowing season.

Stabilising the pumps amid refinery pressures

The temporary embargo is largely seen as a defensive measure to prevent a supply crunch following a series of technical outages and drone strikes on key Russian oil refineries.

By restricting the flow of petrol to international markets, Moscow hopes to dampen domestic price inflation, which has become a sensitive political issue.

While the ban covers most foreign buyers, exceptions are expected for member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as certain countries with direct intergovernmental supply agreements.