Moscow extends ban on diesel exports for fuel producers until end of October

Russia has extended its embargo on diesel fuel exports, set to end at the close of October, according to Reuters on September 30. The sanctions, initially imposed in late September 2025, were initially targeted at independent fuel traders and small refineries with annual capacities under 1 million metric tons. In early July 2026, the ban was expanded to cover all fuel producers.

Exempt from the restrictions are diesel exports under international agreements or humanitarian shipments. A comparable ban on Russian gasoline exports remains in force until January 31, 2027. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree to restrict access to and the dissemination of information about Russian oil refinery operations and energy exports.

This includes details on processing and production volumes, deliveries, transportation routes, terminals, and storage facilities. According to Ukraine's General Staff, Ukrainian defense forces have disabled over 45% of Russia's nominal refining capacity through attacks on oil refineries. The 45% figure was later confirmed by Zelenskyy.

U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy to cease strikes on Russian oil refineries during their phone conversation on September 20. As the fuel crisis deepens, Russia has initiated the import of gasoline from India, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Morocco.