The Russian Ministry of Energy wants to extend the permit for gasoline exports for large producers until the end of August.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service.
Recall that Russia imposed a gasoline export ban for the first time from March 1 to August 31, 2024. In September, the ban on gasoline exports was extended. It was initially expected that the restrictions would last until the end of 2024, but the Russian government allowed exports for large companies producing more than 1 million tons of gasoline per year until January 31, 2025. The permit was later extended until the end of February.
Meanwhile, the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service of Russia has proposed banning gasoline exports in March for all producers to stabilize domestic prices ahead of the spring sowing season and spring repairs at refineries.
The FAS's proposal to reinstate the full embargo comes amid a sharp increase in gasoline prices at the end of January and early February. From January 22 to February 10, the price of A-92 gasoline rose to $632.5 per ton (+22.5%), and A-95 to $654.5 per ton (+20.3%).
The opposing proposals from the Ministry of Energy and the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service highlight the dilemma faced by the Russian government — the need to generate revenue from large oil companies while simultaneously containing domestic fuel prices amidst the intensifying attacks from Ukraine's Defense Forces and Western sanctions.
