Russia Imposes Gasoline Export Ban From April 1 Through July 31 Amid Middle East Oil Shock

Deputy Prime Minister Novak Orders Ban to Stabilize Domestic Prices as Energy Markets Roil\n\nRussia will temporarily ban gasoline exports starting April 1 through July 31 as Middle East turmoil disrupts global energy markets.\n\n### The Order\n\n- Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the Energy Ministry to draft the ban\n- Duration: April 1 to July 31 2026\n- Purpose: Stabilize domestic prices amid global energy market volatility\n- Reason: Strait of Hormuz disruption from Iran conflict\n\n### Context\n\nSince the US-Israel military action against Iran began February 28 the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted causing dramatic oil price swings. Russian President Putin told business leaders the Middle East war brings windfall profits but they will not last long.\n\n### Impact\n\n- Russia has previously imposed temporary fuel export restrictions multiple times\n- Current crude processing rates match last year ensuring stable domestic supply\n- Foreign demand for Russian energy remains a positive factor\n- The ban removes supply from global markets potentially pushing prices higher\n\n### Market Analysis\n\nCombined with Hormuz disruption and the new Houthis threat to the Mandeb Strait the Russian export ban represents another supply reduction in an already tight market.\n\nSource: Wall Street CN TASS Reuters Zhihu (510万热度)