Russia considers restrictions on liquefied petroleum gas exports

Russia's Energy Ministry is considering restrictions on liquefied petroleum gas exports, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on October 15. No decision has been taken, he said.

Two industry sources told RBC that the Federal Antimonopoly Service raised the proposal at a meeting chaired by Novak on October 13. They said the aim was to improve domestic fuel availability during refinery maintenance.

Novak subsequently confirmed to reporters that the ministry was examining the option in light of current market conditions. He said the ministry's proposals would need to be considered.

According to Interfax, the St Petersburg exchange's European Russia LPG price index reached 48,105 rubles per tonne on October 14. Its record of 53,353 rubles per tonne dates from August 2021.

Research group Petromarket estimated Russian LPG exports at 3.86 million tonnes in 2025, up 2.3% from the preceding year. Traditional destinations include Turkey, China and Central Asian countries.