Russia is considering a full ban on diesel exports as authorities scramble to stabilize the domestic fuel market amid refinery disruptions, rising prices, and supply shortages linked to Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Tuesday that the government is weighing a complete prohibition on diesel exports alongside other measures to support domestic fuel supplies. Speaking at a government meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin, Novak acknowledged that the situation in Russia’s fuel market was “not simple,” although he insisted it remained under control.
“The government is considering a complete ban on diesel exports and other measures,” Novak said, adding that oil companies have already increased fuel production to maximum levels in response to the challenges.
The comments mark a notable shift from Novak’s position earlier this month. Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 4, he said there was no immediate need to ban diesel exports for all market participants, although he left the door open to such a move if market conditions deteriorated.
Russia currently restricts exports of diesel and marine fuels by non-producers, while gasoline and jet fuel exports are already banned for all market participants. A broader diesel export ban would further tighten product availability on international markets.
The discussion comes as fuel shortages and price increases have emerged across several Russian regions. According to Russian newspaper Vedomosti, authorities are also considering fuel imports and subsidies for imported products to cap domestic prices and prevent further inflationary pressure.
Industry sources told Reuters that these options were discussed at a meeting on fuel supplies chaired by Novak on Monday.
Ukraine’s repeated drone strikes on Russian refineries have disrupted fuel production and distribution networks, forcing Moscow to prioritize domestic supply. While Russia remains one of the world’s largest exporters of refined petroleum products, policymakers appear increasingly focused on shielding the domestic market from further disruptions as the conflict continues.
A full diesel export ban would represent one of the most significant interventions in Russia’s fuel market since the start of the war and could have implications for diesel supplies across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia that continue to rely on Russian fuel exports through indirect trade channels.
By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com
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