Production of grade 5 gasoline in Russia has eased slightly since the start of the year, slipping by about 1.7 to 1.8 percent. The domestic fuel market remains balanced, a point emphasized by Nikolai Shulginov, head of the Ministry of Energy, during a press briefing dedicated to Energy Day. This assessment, provided to the press by TASS, centers on current fuel dynamics and the broader implications for supply security within the country.
According to the minister, the year-to-date dip in grade 5 gasoline output reflects interruptions caused by unplanned repairs at two major refineries, located in Nizhny Novgorod and Volgograd. Those repair projects have not yet been completed, contributing to a temporary reduction in production capacity. Shulginov stressed that, despite these disruptions, the overall market picture remains stable due to the resilience of other facilities that continue to operate at or near target levels.
Looking ahead, the ministry foresees that market equilibrium can be sustained if refineries not affected by the repair work maintain or increase their gasoline output. In parallel, the decline in fuel exports has helped the domestic market absorb demand without creating shortages. Shulginov noted that overseas deliveries of Class 5 gasoline have fallen by about a third, which naturally shifts more supply toward domestic consumption and supports price and availability stability for Russian consumers. Attribution: Ministry of Energy press briefing, Energy Day coverage.
There was a separate report indicating that high-octane gasoline exports from Russia to international markets would start at the beginning of 2024, with exports rising by 27 percent year-over-year in a comparable period, reaching 639 thousand tons. This trend underscores the ongoing balance policymakers seek between maintaining competitive export volumes and ensuring reliable domestic supply for motorists and industries that rely on grade 5 gasoline. Attribution: Ministry of Energy communications and trade data summaries.
On February 20, discussions at the Government of the Russian Federation highlighted plans to triple LNG production, signaling a strategic pivot toward expanding energy export capacity in the longer term. Such plans are often framed within a broader energy security and diversification strategy, which includes adjustments to refinery throughput, seasonal demand management, and the optimization of logistics networks that deliver fuel to regional markets. Attribution: Government briefings and energy sector analyses.
In the broader context, there are ongoing concerns among oil industry workers about ensuring sufficient fuel supply across the country. While the near-term focus remains on stabilizing refinery operations and managing export levels, the government and industry stakeholders continue to monitor global market trends, exchange rates, and domestic consumption patterns to prevent price shocks and maintain steady availability for consumers. Attribution: Industry and government statements regarding fuel supply reliability.