Russia’s gasoline export ban will not affect Uzbekistan – Energy Ministry

Russia has expanded its gasoline export ban amid a sharp rise in domestic fuel prices, extending the restrictions to include fuel producers in addition to traders and depots. However, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy says the measure will not affect the country.

Photo: KUN.UZ

On July 28, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decision that expands the ban on gasoline exports until the end of summer. Under the new rules, not only traders and fuel storage facilities, but also gasoline producers themselves are prohibited from exporting fuel abroad until August 31.

The Russian government said the measure aims to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market during the summer peak demand period and the ongoing agricultural fieldwork season.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy told Kun.uz that the export ban “does not affect Uzbekistan.”

“It has been clarified that the temporary ban does not apply to contracts signed under international intergovernmental agreements. Since there is such an agreement between Uzbekistan and Russia, the restriction does not affect Uzbekistan’s imports,” the ministry’s statement reads.

Russia’s decision comes against the backdrop of rapidly rising fuel prices in the domestic market. On July 24, the price of AI-95 gasoline on the St. Petersburg Exchange exceeded 76,300 rubles per ton, approaching the all-time high of 76,900 rubles recorded in September 2023.

The export ban was first introduced in February 2024 following a series of drone attacks on Russian oil refineries during the war with Ukraine. At the time, exports to EEU countries, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia under international agreements were exempt from the restrictions.

Initially, the ban was in effect from March 1 to August 31, 2024. However, after refineries hit by drone strikes resumed full operations and the domestic market stabilized, the ban was lifted in May. By August, the Russian government reinstated the restriction, extending its duration to February 28, 2025, and later further extended it to August 31, 2025.

Previously, the restriction only applied to traders and depots. Under the new rules, fuel producers must also comply with the export ban through the end of August.

Earlier, Kun.uz reported that Uzbekistan plans to completely halt production of AI-80 gasoline starting in September.

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