Russia bans jet fuel exports for 6 months amid global shortages
Russia has banned exports of jet fuel for six months, expanding earlier fuel export restrictions as global supplies remain tight, according to the Russian government’s statement.
The ban on exports of fuel for jet engines will remain in effect through November 30, 2026.
Exceptions will apply to:
- Fuel in technical tanks used by aircraft in transit
- Jet fuel shipments that had already entered customs procedures before the decision took effect
- Supplies made under intergovernmental agreements
Moscow said the move was intended to “ensure a stable situation on the domestic fuel market.”
The disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has already contributed to a worldwide shortage of jet fuel, forcing airlines to cut flights and raise ticket prices ahead of the summer travel season.
Since April 1, Russia has also banned gasoline exports for all market participants, according to media reports citing sources. That decision has been linked to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil facilities, which media reports say have already caused a significant fuel shortage in occupied Crimea.
Kommersant, citing data from the U.S. agency Platts, reported that several Russian refineries remain fully or partially shut down and are not selling fuel on the exchange. Market participants and agency analysts do not rule out gasoline shortages at Russian gas stations as summer demand rises.
Against that backdrop, sales of more expensive Belarusian gasoline on the St. Petersburg Exchange have exceeded 17,000 tons since the start of May, nearly 58 times more than during the same period last year.