Russia to Impose Gasoline Export Ban From April 1, Says Alexander Novak

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on Friday instructed the energy ​ministry to draft a resolution banning gasoline ‌exports from April 1, the Russian government said. 

The state-run TASS news agency earlier reported that the ban ​would remain in place until July 31. Novak ​said that turmoil in the global oil ⁠and oil products market, caused by the crisis ​in the Middle East, is leading to significant price ​fluctuations. 

At the same time, the high demand for Russian energy resources in foreign markets remains a



positive ​factor, he added.

Crude oil processing volumes remain ​at last year's level, ensuring a stable supply of oil ‌products, ⁠the government said in a statement. 

Several regions in Russia and parts of Ukraine under Russian control were reporting gasoline shortages last year after ​Ukraine stepped up ​attacks ⁠on Russian oil refineries and amid a seasonal surge in fuel demand.

Russia ​has repeatedly imposed curbs on gasoline ​and diesel ⁠exports to rein in rising fuel prices and tackle shortages.