Deputy Prime Minister of Russia: we can import gasoline

Russia has the option of importing gasoline, the country's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Nowak, who is responsible for economic affairs and the energy sector, told journalists on Wednesday. He also assured that there are no problems with a lack of gasoline in Russia.

– Such a possibility exists. Our regulations allow imports, and the Russian government has reduced the previously imposed 5 percent import tariff, which essentially made imports impossible. Currently, the government has reduced this duty to zero, thanks to which business entities can supply gasoline and fuel products, Nowak said.

Some regions of Russia are struggling with gasoline shortages after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. In addition to the tariff reduction he mentioned, in order to stabilize the situation, at the end of September the Russian government extended the ban on gasoline exports until the end of the year.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump expressed the opinion that the Russian economy would soon collapse. – And you know, they have long lines for gasoline in Russia now – who would have guessed? – and suddenly his (Vladimir Putin's – PAP) economy will collapse – said Trump on the occasion of his meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei.

– We have stable supplies to the domestic market and we do not see any problems in this regard. The balance between production and consumption is maintained, and we, from the government and relevant ministries, are doing everything to keep it that way, said Nowak, referring to the words of the American president.

According to the US government agency US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Russia was the world's third largest oil producer in 2024, behind only the United States and – marginally – Saudi Arabia. Before its invasion of Ukraine, it was the world's second largest exporter. (PAP)

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