"Russia Halts Gasoline Exports for 6 Months Amid Ukraine Strikes"

Russia has announced a six-month ban on gasoline exports starting from March 1 in order to stabilize domestic prices amidst rising demand and refinery maintenance. The ban, approved by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, aims to offset excessive demand for petroleum products and ensure price stability in the domestic market, particularly ahead of a presidential election. This move comes as some Russian refineries have been affected by Ukrainian drone attacks, and follows Russia's voluntary reduction of oil and fuel exports by 500,000 barrels per day in the first quarter as part of OPEC+ efforts to support prices.