Russia is weighing a potential ban on diesel exports and considering fuel imports to address domestic shortages caused by recent strikes on its oil infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that the government is reviewing tax legislation and supply strategies to stabilize the market after Ukrainian drone attacks forced unplanned refinery maintenance and reduced gasoline output by approximately 25% compared to mid-2025 averages, according to industry reports cited by Reuters.
Why is Russia considering a diesel export ban?
The Russian government is contemplating a diesel export ban to prioritize domestic supply and curb rising fuel prices, which have triggered long queues at filling stations across the country. According to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, the administration is currently coordinating tax legislation amendments to encourage oil companies to divert more volumes to the internal market. Industry sources told Reuters that the state is also evaluating subsidies for imported fuel to cap retail prices, a measure deemed necessary to prevent wider inflation as refinery capacity remains constrained.
Russia typically exports millions of metric tons of diesel and gasoil monthly, with Turkey and Brazil serving as two of the primary international buyers.
How are fuel shortages affecting Crimea?
Sevastopol, the largest city in Russian-controlled Crimea, has implemented “enforced temporary measures” to manage energy scarcity, according to regional governor Mikhail Razvozhayev. These restrictions include dimming street lights, limiting the operating hours of public transit, and forcing cafes and large shops to close by 8:00 p.m. These local mandates follow a series of drone strikes on regional oil infrastructure, which have forced authorities to tighten public life while attempting to maintain essential services.
What is the impact of refinery strikes on production?
Unplanned refinery maintenance, necessitated by repeated drone attacks, has significantly tightened Russia’s fuel production. LSEG data indicates that seaborne oil product exports fell by roughly 15% during the first half of June compared to the same period in May. While Russia managed to keep diesel exports relatively steady at 3.25 million metric tons in April—a slight increase from March—the cumulative pressure on domestic supplies has forced the government to tap into previously unused fuel reserves, as noted by Novak during a televised government meeting.
Comparison: Export Trends and Market Pressure
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| Gasoline Output | Down ~25% vs. June 2025 |
| Seaborne Exports (June) | Down ~15% vs. May |
When tracking energy market volatility, monitor “unplanned maintenance” reports from major producers, as these are often leading indicators of government intervention in export markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Russia currently importing fuel?
Yes. According to four industry sources reported by Reuters, Russia began exploring fuel imports by sea in June to mitigate domestic gasoline shortages.
Which countries are the primary importers of Russian diesel?
Data from market sources and LSEG identifies Brazil and Turkey as two of the main importers of Russian diesel and gasoil.
Why are there queues at Russian gas stations?
Regional fuel shortages, driven by refinery downtime and logistical challenges, have led to limited sales at filling stations and increased prices, prompting the government to consider emergency subsidies and export curbs.
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