Russian Cabinet and fuel sector respond to refinery outage and export talks
Recent statements indicate the Russian Cabinet of Ministers has not begun discussions about restricting gasoline exports. This stance emerged from a TASS report citing a source within the Russian government. The official noted that any move to curb overseas gasoline shipments is not on the agenda and is not being considered at this time.
Earlier, an Interfax dispatch from January 15 referenced various sources suggesting that a temporary ban on gasoline exports could be contemplated if disruptions at the Nizhny Novgorod refinery were to escalate. The report noted that Lukoil had already halted fuel exports and redirected supplies to other specialized firms to stabilize the situation and ensure continued access to domestic markets.
Lukoil’s press service, in turn, confirmed a temporary halt at one of the units of the Nizhny Novgorod Oil Refinery (NORSI). Company officials attributed the outage to the failure of the second catalytic cracking unit, an issue that had recurred over the past two months. They also indicated that the first cracking unit, which faced problems in December 2023, was repaired and operated at reduced capacity while investigators assessed the overall impact on refinery output.
The Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation stated that steps are being developed to guarantee uninterrupted gasoline supply within the domestic market. The ministry noted that Lukoil presented a plan aimed at eliminating the problems at the Nizhny Novgorod refinery as quickly as possible, if feasible, and ensuring steady maintenance of fuel production and distribution in the near term.
Observers referenced earlier signals that Russia would monitor pricing dynamics for gasoline in the coming month. The situation at NORSI raised questions about potential adjustments to supply chains, refinery throughput, and the balance between export activity and domestic needs. Officials emphasized that any drastic measures would be weighed against the goals of maintaining fuel availability for Russian consumers and preserving market stability in face of refinery outages.
In its current posture, the government appears focused on mitigating the immediate effects of the shutdown and avoiding broader disruptions to energy markets. The involvement of major industry players like Lukoil underscores the joint effort to reroute production, minimize downtime, and keep prices in a predictable range for domestic buyers. Analysts note that the evolving scenario will likely be influenced by refinery repair timelines, the ability to reallocate capacity, and the pace of regulatory actions designed to maintain energy security across the country.
As information continues to emerge, officials stress that any policy decision regarding exports would not be taken lightly and would consider multiple factors, including global market conditions, domestic demand, and strategic reserves. The current discourse centers on stabilizing the supply chain, supporting refinery operations, and preserving consumer access to gasoline while the Nizhny Novgorod facility undergoes maintenance and repair work. The coming weeks are expected to reveal how the industry navigates these challenges and what that means for broader energy policy in Russia. At present, there is no official move to ban exports, and the focus remains on timely repairs and market stability as indicated by official statements from government and corporate spokespeople. (Citations: TASS; Interfax; Lukoil press release; Ministry of Energy statements)