Russia is preparing to temporarily suspend all gasoline exports from April 1 to July 31, 2026, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The ban, announced by the Russian government, is intended to stabilize domestic prices and ensure sufficient supply for the local market. It takes effect immediately and covers all gasoline producers, with exceptions for Eurasian Economic Union countries and previously agreed state deliveries. The government described the ban as temporary and necessary to stabilize the market. According to The Moscow Times, the ban also aims to secure domestic fuel supply ahead of spring agricultural work, when demand for fuel increases sharply. Gasoline prices in Russia have risen sharply since autumn 2025, according to major media reports.
Experts attribute the price increases partly to Ukraine's long-range strikes against Russian oil infrastructure. On March 27-28, Ukrainian forces struck the Yaroslavl Oil Refinery, starting a fire, the Ukrainian General Staff reported. The refinery has an annual refining capacity of about 15 million tons of petroleum products, according to major media. Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries and oil ports have knocked out part of the export capacity, major media reported. The combination of reduced refining capacity and seasonal demand has put upward pressure on domestic gasoline prices.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly requested that Russia's top businessmen provide funding for the Russian government, indicating that the Kremlin may be growing desperate for economic relief and may be setting conditions to nationalise their assets to support the war effort.
President Vladimir Putin is considering stopping gas supplies to Europe before EU sanctions take effect, according to major media. Putin stated he is only thinking out loud and no decision has been made, according to major media. He claimed there is no political background to his considerations, only business. Putin said Russia remains a reliable supplier to loyal customers like Hungary and Slovakia. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also said Russia is considering suspending gas exports to Europe, according to other sources. Novak said Russian gas now covers more than 12% of Europe's supplies.
Meanwhile, EU imports of Russian LNG have declined slightly. The EU imported Russian LNG worth about 7.4 billion euros in 2025, down 3% from 2024, according to Eurostat. Total LNG imports to the EU in 2025 were about 46.0 billion euros, with the largest share (24.2 billion euros) from the US, Eurostat reported.
Now other markets are opening. And perhaps it is more advantageous for us to stop deliveries to the European market immediately now.
In a separate development, Kazakh oil transit to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline is suspended from May 1, according to unofficial Russian sources, Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said. The suspension is due to lack of technical capacity, possibly related to recent strikes on Russian infrastructure, Akkenzhenov stated. Kazakhstan exports up to 200,000 barrels per day to German refineries via the Druzhba pipeline, according to major media. Kazakh oil accounts for approximately 20-30% of Germany's Schwedt refinery's consumption, major media reported. Akkenzhenov said that there have been no official statements from the Russian side yet, but unofficial sources confirm the suspension. He added that once the technical feasibility issue is resolved, transit will resume. Kazakhstan does not plan to reduce oil production given the current situation, Akkenzhenov confirmed.
On the financial front, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly requested that Russia's top businessmen provide funding for the Russian government, according to the Institute for the Study of War, as reported by major media. Putin held a closed meeting with senior business figures on March 26, reportedly asking for continued support of Russia's war in Ukraine, according to The Bell. The idea of asking businessmen for funding came from Igor Sechin, who also proposed issuing military bonds, The Bell reported. Billionaire Suleiman Kerimov reportedly pledged 100 billion rubles, according to The Bell.
If the EU is soon not going to take Russian gas anyway, it is better to stop now ourselves and go to countries that are reliable partners, and establish ourselves there.
Several unknowns remain. It is unclear whether Russia will actually implement the gasoline export ban for the full period until July 31, 2026. The specific technical issues that caused the suspension of Kazakh oil transit via Druzhba have not been detailed. It also remains uncertain whether Putin will decide to halt gas supplies to Europe before EU sanctions take effect. The outcome of Putin's meeting with businessmen regarding funding for the war has not been disclosed.