Фото: Reform.by
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said additional restrictions on fuel exports could be introduced. In particular, this could include a ban on diesel fuel exports by producers.
“Anything is possible. Such decisions may be taken if necessary. At the moment, there is no such need,” he said, according to Interfax.
Russia currently bans the export of diesel fuel, marine fuel and other gas oils by non-producers. An embargo on gasoline exports applies to all market participants. A ban on aviation kerosene exports for all market participants was also introduced in recent days.
Novak also acknowledged a decline in oil production in Russia.
“Production is indeed somewhat lower now than at the beginning of the year. This is due to the fact that a number of our oil refineries are undergoing unscheduled maintenance. We are, of course, making maximum use of export infrastructure.
As these facilities return to normal operations, production will increase and return to previous levels. This is a continuous operating process. Companies determine their own schedules,” he said.
The deputy prime minister did not specify the reason for the unscheduled maintenance affecting Russian refineries. However, it is known that many of them have been struck by Ukrainian drones in recent weeks. Against this backdrop, sales of Belarusian fuel on the St. Petersburg Exchange increased sharply in May.