Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will not supply diesel fuel to global energy markets until sanctions against Moscow are lifted, Reuters reported. Speaking at the Valdai forum of international experts on Russia in Moscow, Putin noted that Ukraine has achieved partial goals with strikes on Russian oil refineries that cost Russia 1% of its gross domestic product, though he emphasized that Russia is now responding in kind. Putin also stated that Russia has enough diesel fuel, but it will not reach world markets due to existing bans and sanctions against Russian oil and oil products.
Moscow extends diesel export ban through October
Moscow extended its ban on diesel fuel exports by fuel producers through the end of October. This extension compounds pressure on an international energy market already disrupted by ongoing conflicts and supply deficits. US President Donald Trump stated last month that Ukrainian attacks on Russian production facilities trigger global diesel shortages and drive up prices, while calling on Kyiv to halt the strikes. Diesel prices in the United States surpassed $6.50 per gallon as conflicts in Iran and Ukraine restrict fuel deliveries, creating a political risk for Trump ahead of midterm elections. In the United Kingdom, diesel prices at petrol stations reached record highs due to the war of the US and Israel against Iran, the automotive organization RAC reported. Traditionally the second-largest exporter of diesel in the world after the United States, Russia had already reduced its exports over the summer before imposing the ban on shipments abroad.
Putin restricts access to energy production data
President Putin signed a decree restricting access to information within the fuel and energy complex, published on the official legal information portal. The directive bans the distribution of data regarding refinery operations, production and processing volumes, export quantities, sales volumes, buyers, intermediaries, transport routes, and customs statistics. This restriction applies to state bodies, media outlets, and internet users, with exceptions only for official company statements. Meanwhile, domestic fuel shortages intensified across Russia by mid-September, citing data from the gdebenzin service. AI-92 gasoline was absent at 45% of petrol stations, while AI-95 was missing at 53%. Operations at the Kinef refinery in Leningrad Oblast faced restrictions limiting sales to 30 liters per vehicle until October 1 following a Ukrainian attack. Among the affected entities were some of Russia’s largest producers, including Slavneft-YANOS in Yaroslavl, NORSI in Nizhny Novgorod, Kinef in Kirishi, and the Perm Oil Refinery, while in September the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck Taneco in Tatarstan as well as oil refineries in Ryazan, Syzran, and Saratov. Over the past week, an acute gasoline shortage was registered in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar, Irkutsk, Perm, Surgut, as well as in the Rostov and Arkhangelsk Oblasts, and the Yamalo-Nenets and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Russia extend its diesel export ban?
Russia prolonged the export restriction on diesel fuel through the end of October, which further increased tension on the global energy market already shaken by wars and supply shortages.
How much did refinery attacks cost the Russian economy?
President Vladimir Putin stated at the Valdai forum that Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries cost Russia 1% of its gross domestic product.
What level did US diesel prices reach amid supply restrictions?
Diesel prices in the United States climbed past $6.50 per gallon as conflicts in Ukraine and Iran squeezed global fuel availability.
Which Russian refinery data is now restricted?
A presidential decree classified information regarding processing volumes, refinery operations, export quantities, transport routes, and customs statistics to limit the public dissemination of energy sector data.
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