Russia to ban gasoline exports amid shortages

MOSCOW, Apr 28 (AFP): Russia announced Thursday it would not export any gasoline next month and would direct all sales to the domestic market in a bid to curb a recent shortage that saw a jump in prices. "In May, the (Russian energy) companies are not going to export. All volumes will be delivered to the domestic market," news agencies quoted Deputy Energy Ministry Sergei Kudryashov as saying. The move from the world's leading oil producer came after two dozen Russian regions reported gasoline shortages, prompting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to order officials to get to grips with the situation.