Russia extends diesel export ban through January, allows limited shipments

Russia has extended its diesel export ban through the end of January, while permitting limited shipments to international markets, according to a statement released on Saturday. The decision aimed at stabilizing the domestic fuel market, although the decree has not been publicly published yet. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak disclosed on Friday that the government was preparing exemptions for selected suppliers, enabling limited diesel exports despite the broader restrictions.

Similar arrangements were introduced in October and are anticipated to continue in November. Moscow had eased some export limitations earlier this month after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume Russian diesel supplies to global markets. Forecasts suggest that Russia's diesel exports will reach around 2.15 million metric tons in November, compared to approximately 510,000 tons shipped this month, as stated by Novak.

The impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries on export volumes remains uncertain, but Novak believes the effect is unlikely to be significant. Four tankers carrying Russian diesel had already departed from Baltic ports by late October, indicating the restricted flow of supplies under the current restrictions.