Russia announced on Thursday that they will implement a six-month ban on petrol exports starting from March 1 in order to guarantee enough fuel supply for domestic needs.
Despite being the third largest oil producer globally, Russia has faced occasional fuel shortages since last summer due to increased demand and refinery maintenance.
Wholesale gasoline prices have also gone up since the beginning of the year, with Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries making the situation worse.
“Restrictions on petrol exports are introduced for six months, from 1 March to 31 August,” the government said in a statement Thursday.
It said the move was aimed at “maintaining a stable situation on the fuel market during a period of high demand associated with spring agricultural works, the holiday season, and scheduled repairs of oil refineries.”
The Kremlin wants to prevent fuel shortages in the country before the upcoming elections, where President Vladimir Putin is trying to maintain his control.
Last year, Russia imposed a ban on exporting diesel and petrol to address fuel shortages that were affecting farmers’ ability to harvest grain in certain regions.
