Russia set to extend diesel export ban after Ukrainian drone strikes hit refineries

Russia is considering extending its diesel export ban through the end of September due to ongoing fuel shortages and the continued impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, according to Reuters reporting from industry sources. The initial ban, implemented on July 8, was extended to July 31 and later August 31. Russia has also restricted diesel exports by non-producers and motor gasoline exports through January 31, with jet fuel exports limited until the end of November 2026.

The diesel export ban may be adjusted if production increases as Russian refineries complete maintenance following the attacks, a market source suggested. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated last week that the government has not yet decided on lifting the restrictions, emphasizing that "there is no diesel fuel shortage on the domestic market."

However, several refineries, including those in Novoshakhtinsk and Afipsky, have been affected by the attacks. The Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar Krai, with a design capacity of 6.25 million metric tons of crude oil per year, was struck by Ukrainian forces on August 25. Fuel shortages have resurfaced in Russia since August, affecting most of the country, following a brief improvement in late July.

The strikes on Russian oil facilities in July lowered refining volumes to the lowest level since May 2002, contributing to the second wave of fuel shortages across the nation. This situation coincides with a significant decline in Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval rating, dropping to 66%, the lowest level in nearly four years since fall 2022.