Russia may extend restrictions on gasoline exports until October

The Russian government is weighing a possible extension of restrictions on gasoline exports for two months, until the end of October, the Kommersant newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing two sources.

Russia introduced a ban on gas exports last March to address a sharp rise in wholesale fuel prices and the risk of a shortage on the domestic market.

The government partially lifted the ban in November for most major producers, but has continued to extend it for other exporters such as independent traders and re-sellers.

Kommersant reported that the issue of the ban was discussed at a government meeting chaired on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.