Russia halts gasoline export
MOSCOW. April 28. KAZINFORM Russia would stop export of gasoline starting from May 1 to stabilize situation of domestic fuel market, Deputy Energy Minister Sergei Kudryashov announced on Thursday. Kazinform refers to Xinhua.
According to the minister, the Energy Ministry agreed with major Russian oil companies that export of gasoline would be completely stopped and all sales would be directed to the domestic market.
"We realized our (gasoline) stocks have been insufficient," Kudryashov told the ministry's meeting.
He stressed that another wave of petrol shortage could hit in September because oil refineries will be stopped for planned repair works.
A gasoline shortage has started this week in Russia's Altai republic and spread to 20 other Russian regions, including the country's two hubs of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday ordered to investigate the cause of fuel shortage after Federal Anti-trust Service (FAS)'s previous remarks saying the reason behind the current crisis could be a price fixing cartel agreement among Russian major oil companies.
According to local reports, prices for the most in-demand type gasoline has grown by 18.8 percent in April. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com for full version