Flue gas and steam rise out of chimneys and smokestacks of an oil refinery during sunset on a frosty day in the Siberian city of Omsk, Russia, February 8, 2023. REUTERS/Alexey Malgavko//File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights

Shulginov said the lifting of export bans on Ai 92 and Ai 95 gasoline was under consideration.

Russia introduced a ban on fuel exports on Sept. 21 to tackle high domestic prices and shortages. The government eased restrictions on Oct. 6, allowing the export of diesel by pipeline, but kept measures on gasoline exports in place.

Officials have said that the ban would be lifted once the domestic market stabilises. Analysts had expected the restrictions to be scrapped after the completion of the recent grain harvesting season.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday that Russia will continue an additional voluntary supply cut of 300,000 barrels per day from its crude oil and petroleum product exports until the end of December 2023, as previously announced.

Interfax cited an unnamed fuel market source as saying that the Kirishi oil refinery, owned by Surgutneftegaz (SNGS.MM), has already put forward a request for gasoline exports in the middle of November.

The energy ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.