In the early months of 2024, Russia’s supply of high-octane gasoline from abroad declined significantly, dropping by about 27 percent year over year to roughly 639 thousand tonnes. A leading business outlet reported this trend, highlighting a marked shift in the country’s export profile.
Across January, the average daily export volume stood at around 14.7 thousand tonnes, down from 20.1 thousand tonnes recorded in the previous year. Between February 1 and February 13, export levels also fell by about 28 percent when compared with the same period a year earlier, underscoring a continuing slowdown in shipments.
Analysts attributed the contraction to unplanned maintenance at two oil refineries, which constrained refinery throughput and, as a result, reduced domestic refining output. In the latest monthly figures, refining activity dropped about 4 percent year over year to an average of roughly 747.9 thousand tonnes per day, reflecting the combined effect of maintenance and production adjustments.
By the end of January, Russian oil operations faced concerns over a tightening fuel supply, a development watched closely by domestic distributors and international buyers alike. This situation has implications for regional markets in North America and Europe, given the proximity of trading routes and the interconnected nature of global oil product flows.
Industry observers noted that within Russia, certain premium-grade fuels faced constraints at retail outlets, with some stations reporting tighter allocations or temporary restrictions on premium gasoline sales to balance supply. This shifting dynamic at the pump was part of a broader pattern of market recalibration amid fluctuating export access and domestic refining capacity.
During the period under review, anti-profiteering measures and price-monitoring actions by regulatory authorities were visible in public discourse. Authorities opened several inquiries into inflated fuel prices in the market, signaling a push to stabilize pricing signals and reassure both consumers and trade partners in a volatile environment.