ASTANA, July 3. /TASS/. Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry has drafted an order to extend the ban on gasoline exports from the country to all destinations, including member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), for another six months - from November this year through May 2027.

According to the explanatory note to the draft order, published on a government portal, "a ban on the export of gasoline, diesel fuel, and certain petroleum products by road and rail transport, including to member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, shall be in effect from November 22, 2026, through May 22, 2027." The draft order also stipulates that "from January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027, a ban shall be imposed on exports beyond the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union of light distillates, aviation kerosene and diesel fuel, gas oils, toluene, xylene, and petroleum bitumen."

As an exception, fuel exports will be permitted by decision of the Kazakh government and for the provision of humanitarian aid. Public discussion of the draft order will continue through July 21, after which it may enter into force.

The ban on gasoline and diesel fuel exports has been in effect in Kazakhstan for several years and has been extended on a regular basis. The authorities have justified the restriction by noting that gasoline and diesel fuel prices in the country are significantly lower than in neighboring states, creating opportunities for smuggling. The government has also cited the need to prioritize supplies for the domestic market. Gasoline exports are permitted only in the standard fuel tanks of vehicles.