Russia to Ban Gasoline Exports from April 1 as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Energy Markets

Russia Joins Global Energy Disruption by Restricting Fuel Shipments Through July 31\n\nRussia will impose a temporary ban on gasoline exports starting April 1, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced, as the Middle East conflict creates unprecedented turbulence in global energy markets.\n\n### The Ban\n\n- Start date: April 1, 2026\n- End date: July 31, 2026\n- Scope: All gasoline exports to foreign markets\n- Goal: Stabilize domestic prices amid global energy market turmoil\n\n### Why Now\n\nThe US-Israel military operation against Iran, launched February 28, has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most critical oil chokepoint handling ~21 million barrels daily. Meanwhile, Houthi forces have entered the conflict, threatening the Strait of Mandeb (~4.8 million barrels daily).\n\n### Putin's Stance\n\nPresident Putin told business leaders that he hopes the Middle East war ends within weeks. He acknowledged Russia has earned windfall profits as an energy exporter, but warned: "This situation will not last long." He instructed the finance ministry and energy companies not to expect prolonged "unexpected gains."\n\n### Market Impact\n\nRussia's export ban compounds existing supply concerns:\n\n- Iran's oil production has been disrupted by military strikes\n- Strait of Hormuz shipping severely restricted\n- COSCO container ships turning back from Persian Gulf\n- Oil prices already surging with VIX above 30\n\nThis is not Russia's first temporary fuel export restriction — it has used similar measures multiple times to stabilize domestic prices. However, the combination with the Middle East conflict makes this particular ban more significant for global markets.\n\nSource: TASS, Reuters, Zhihu