Russia is considering a ban on diesel and potentially jet fuel exports to stabilize its domestic fuel market [1, 2].
The potential restriction follows a previous ban on petrol exports and highlights the growing vulnerability of Russian energy infrastructure. If implemented, the move could tighten global fuel supplies while attempting to prevent internal economic instability.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the ban is under consideration as of June 23 [1, 4]. He said the situation is not simple but remains under control [1]. The government is reacting to severe domestic fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries [2, 5]. These attacks have led to unscheduled maintenance that reduced oil production [5].
President Vladimir Putin previously addressed the urgency of the situation, saying there is a need to stabilize fuel distribution, especially for the farming sector [3]. The shortage has caused particular concern in regions such as Crimea [1, 3].
Market data indicates that diesel fuel exports have already fallen to their lowest level since 2020 [2]. Novak said oil production has fallen due to unscheduled maintenance at refineries [5]. The Russian government is now weighing how to balance international trade obligations with the immediate need to keep domestic transport and agriculture functioning, a challenge exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
Officials have not yet set a formal start date for the proposed diesel ban, but the move would represent a significant escalation in the state's intervention into the energy market to mitigate the impact of external strikes on its refining capacity.
“"The situation is not simple but remains under control."”
The potential ban signals that Ukrainian strikes on refineries are successfully degrading Russia's ability to process crude oil into usable fuel. By prioritizing the farming sector and domestic stability, the Kremlin is acknowledging that its energy infrastructure is unable to simultaneously support the war effort, internal civilian needs, and international export markets.
