Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports until September 30 as the government seeks to stabilise the domestic fuel market amid persistent shortages and disruptions to refinery operations.
The ban, announced by the Russian government on Saturday, also covers exports of marine fuel and gas oils shipped by Russian producers. The government said the measures were necessary to maintain stability in the domestic fuel market.
“These measures have been taken to stabilise the domestic fuel market,” it said in a statement.
The extension comes as several Russian refineries remain offline following repeated Ukrainian drone attacks, contributing to shortages of fuel within the country. Three sources had previously told Reuters that the government was expected to extend the diesel restrictions because domestic supply pressures had persisted.
Russia initially introduced the diesel export ban on July 8, when restrictions were imposed until July 31 as part of a broader package of measures intended to support domestic fuel supplies. The restrictions were subsequently extended for fuel producers until August 31.
The latest decision keeps the restrictions in place for another month, reflecting continuing pressure on Russia’s domestic fuel market. The government has also introduced separate restrictions covering other petroleum products.
Russia has banned diesel exports by non-producers and motor gasoline exports until January 31, 2027. Restrictions on jet fuel exports are scheduled to remain in place until the end of November 2026.
The diesel restrictions are particularly significant for international fuel markets because Russia is typically the world’s second-largest diesel exporter after the United States. Russian exports had already slowed before the latest ban as domestic shortages linked to Ukrainian drone attacks affected supplies.
The disruptions have placed additional pressure on the country’s refining sector, with several refineries still offline. The resulting reduction in available domestic fuel supplies has prompted Moscow to prioritise the domestic market over exports.
The government’s decision therefore extends a policy that has already been renewed several times since July, as Russian authorities seek to prevent further pressure on domestic fuel availability.
