MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The Russian Energy Ministry expects that oil refining volumes will stay this year at the last-year level, Minister Nikolay Shulginov told reporters.

"The forecast for oil refining volumes is maintained - at the level close to the last year," the minister said.

First Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin said earlier that Russia may lower oil refining in 2024 but exports of crude oil will grow on account of these volumes.