Russia is considering scrapping import tariffs on gasoline and temporarily lifting a ban on the chemical additive monomethylaniline (MMA) to stabilize its domestic fuel market, which has been disrupted by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries. These measures could redirect at least 350,000 tons of gasoline and 100,000 tons of diesel per month to the domestic market, according to a Kommersant report. Overseas chemical buyers should monitor these developments as they may affect regional fuel and additive supply chains.
Proposed tariff and additive changes
The Russian government, as reported by Kommersant on Oct. 1, 2025, is reviewing proposals from Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak to scrap the 5% import duty on gasoline for state-controlled companies like Rosneft, sourcing from China, South Korea, and Singapore. Novak also proposed temporarily lifting the ban on monomethylaniline (MMA), an octane-boosting additive, to improve lower-grade fuel quality. These steps aim to address wholesale gasoline price surges driven by refinery shutdowns from drone strikes.
Supply-chain impact
The measures could redirect at least 350,000 tons of gasoline and 100,000 tons of diesel monthly to the domestic market, as cited in Novak's letter to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. To make imports viable, the government plans to apply a "damper" subsidy mechanism to keep domestic gasoline processing below world market prices. However, industry experts warn that high transport costs may limit the effectiveness of duty-free imports for central Russia.
What buyers should watch
Chemical buyers should note the potential temporary availability of MMA in the Russian market, which could affect regional additive demand and pricing. The proposed ethanol use in gasoline production and adjusted technical standards for higher aromatic hydrocarbon content may also create new sourcing opportunities or compliance considerations. Additionally, the Eurasian Economic Commission's suspension of fuel import tariffs from Oct. 10, 2025, to June 30, 2026, could influence regional trade flows.
Compliance and logistics signals
The Russian government extended its gasoline export ban and introduced new diesel shipment restrictions until end-2025, which may tighten global fuel supplies. Novak also suggested boosting Belarusian fuel imports from 45,000 tons in September to 300,000 tons per month. Importers and distributors should assess potential disruptions in fuel and additive logistics, particularly for routes involving Russia, Belarus, and neighboring regions.
Source: Read the original report | Published: October 01, 2025