Beyond restoring the temporary ban on gasoline exports, authorities did not lift the embargo on supplying diesel fuel abroad by rail, according to sources cited by Kommersant. The decision appears aimed at preserving the country’s winter diesel reserves, as winter-grade diesel is routed by rail while summer diesel can be exported through ports via the Transneft system. This approach keeps critical fuel stocks steady for the colder months while maintaining export capacity through existing rail routes. (Kommersant)
Industry insiders describe the plan as a balancing act: secure domestic diesel availability for winter use, and continue channeling summer diesel toward international markets using rail to ports. The arrangement leverages the rail network to manage supply reliability for the Russian market, even as export opportunities remain constrained by policy decisions. (Kommersant)
Reports indicate that in December roughly 200,000 to 300,000 tons of gasoline could be transported by rail for export via ports, with one source noting that Russian Railways has resumed approving export applications for this fuel. The restart of approvals signals a cautious reopening of export pathways, coupled with strict monitoring of domestic supply. (Kommersant)
Earlier, the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation stated that the government had decided to lift restrictions on gasoline exports. The policy shift, described in official channels, coincided with fluctuating market prices and the complex logistics of moving fuel between domestic markets and foreign buyers. (Kommersant)
Prices for AI-92 gasoline in the European part of Russia showed volatility, dropping by 4.03 percent to 49,287 rubles per ton, while AI-95 gasoline fell by 2.74 percent to 52,386 rubles per ton. Diesel prices also eased across the board. These movements followed market rumors that the export ban might be eased in the near term, influencing trader expectations and refinery planning. (Kommersant)
There are ongoing considerations within Russia about penalties related to dishonest fuel supply practices, reflecting a broader push to strengthen oversight and ensure transparent, reliable delivery of gasoline and diesel products. While policy signals have varied, the emphasis remains on maintaining domestic fuel security alongside controlled export activity. (Kommersant)