Russia Without Fuel: Kremlin Imposes Total Ban On Gasoline Exports
- 28.03.2026, 8:39
The fuel embargo will be in place for at least four months.
The Russian government officially introduces a complete ban on exports of motor gasoline for all market participants.
The RBC-Ukraine reports this with reference to the Russian media.
The restrictions will come into force from April 1, 2026 by the personal decision of Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
According to sources in Russian industry ministries, the fuel embargo will be in effect for at least four months - until July 31, UNN reports with reference to the Russian media.
Why is the Kremlin "closing the taps?"
The decision to stop exports was the result of an emergency meeting, where oilmen admitted: the domestic market is catastrophically short of fuel. The reasons for the crisis are systemic:
The result of the "cotton" at the refineries: Systematic and accurate strikes on the refining infrastructure of the aggressor have significantly reduced the production of light petroleum products. Many refineries cannot resume operations due to sanctions on Western equipment.
Spring sowing season: The Russian agricultural sector requires huge amounts of fuel. To avoid a food crisis and farmer protests, the Kremlin is forced to keep gasoline inside the country.
Price shock: Prices at Russian gas stations have begun to rise faster than inflation. The export ban is an attempt to "flood" the market with a scarce resource to contain social discontent.
Blow to the war budget
The decision is extremely painful for the Russian economy. Gasoline was one of the key exports, bringing in billions of dollars in foreign currency earnings. Now these flows are cut off.
Loss of revenue: The aggressor's budget will lose huge sums that were planned to be spent on financing the war effort.
Logistical paralysis: The gasoline shortage directly affects the ability to transport military supplies and refuel the occupying forces' equipment.
What this means for Ukraine
Every ton of gasoline that is not sold abroad is evidence of the effectiveness of economic and forceful pressure on the enemy. The energy "superpower" is forced to go into survival mode, sacrificing profits to maintain domestic stability.
It is expected that if the situation at the damaged refineries does not improve, the export ban may be extended beyond July 2026.