EAEU May Extend Zero Fuel Duties as Russian Refineries Struggle

The Eurasian Economic Commission is considering extending zero import duties on gasoline, diesel, aviation kerosene and marine fuel for another year, as Russia faces fuel shortages following Ukrainian drone strikes on its refineries, Orda.kz reports, citing oilgazKZ.

The current zero duties,  introduced in fall 2025, are set to expire on June 30, 2026. Before they were introduced, the standard rate stood at 5%, making it economically harder for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other EAEU member states to import fuel from third countries such as China rather than from Russia.

According to oilgazKZ, the extension has become necessary due to the difficult fuel situation inside Russia. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries have created shortages of certain oil products on the Russian domestic market. Russia is also preparing to subsidize fuel imports from abroad to keep prices in check.

Russian media report that Moscow has proposed extending the zero rate from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

Original author: Alexander Zhdanov

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