Russia ups product exports

摘要

Exports of Russian products by rail rose last year, mainly as a result of higher exports through Russia's northwestern ports, in particular Ust-Luga, as well as higher supplies to CIS countries, primarily Belarus (see table). Rail exports of gasoil grew by almost 13pc to 23.7mn t. Rail supplies of fuel oil, Russia's main refined product export, fell by 0.7pc to 53.75mn t. The rise in gasoil sup- plies reflects growing output and the lifting of restrictions on exports. Product exports were held in check in 2011 by high duty levels introduced to counter domestic shortages. High-sulphur gasoil exports were also encouraged by Transnefteprodukt's decision last year to switch its pipeline network to handling product with a maximum sulphur con- tent of 500ppm (NT, February 2012, p2).