Russia has introduced an immediate ban on diesel exports, the government announced on Wednesday, as Ukrainian drone strikes cripple refining capacity and domestic fuel shortages spiral out of control. The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin, marks an unprecedented step for the world’s third-largest oil producer, which now faces the humiliation of becoming a net importer of refined products.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who oversees the fuel sector, said the ban would help stabilise supplies on the domestic market. – We have immediately introduced a ban on diesel exports. This will allow us to increase supplies to the domestic market. In July we will also start importing petroleum products – he told reporters after the meeting.
The move follows months of relentless attacks by Ukrainian drones on Russian refineries, fuel depots and pipeline infrastructure. These strikes have caused severe damage to key processing units, slashing output and forcing many regions in European Russia to ration fuel sales and vet drivers suspected of illegal reselling.
Critical fuel shortages across Russian regions
In several oblasts, petrol stations have introduced quotas, with drivers limited to set amounts per visit. Authorities have also stepped up checks on vehicles that could be involved in black-market trading of gasoline and diesel. The situation has become so dire that Moscow has been forced to extend a ban on gasoline exports, first imposed in April, which now runs until at least the end of July. A ban on jet fuel exports, introduced on 1 June, will remain in place until the end of November.
– We are increasing additional production volumes by procuring products with lower environmental standards. We have extended zero import duties on imported petroleum products for another year – added Novak, signalling the willingness to sacrifice environmental norms to meet domestic demand.
Moscow turns to foreign imports
In a striking reversal of its role as a major fuel exporter, Russia plans to bring in tanker deliveries of gasoline and diesel from Indian refineries, which have been processing Russian crude oil at high rates. Additionally, railway supplies from Belarus are expected to supplement the shortfall. The Kremlin’s ability to maintain domestic fuel supply is now seen as a critical test of its wartime economic resilience.
The scope of the crisis underlines the success of Ukraine’s strategy to target Russia’s energy infrastructure far behind the front lines. While Moscow has attempted to repair damaged facilities, the scale and precision of the strikes have overwhelmed repair crews and left the country dependent on stockpiles that are rapidly depleting.
Experts in the industry warn that even with imports and emergency measures, resuming full supply normalcy could take months. The immediate ban on diesel exports is a clear admission that Russia’s own citizens now come before foreign customers – a sign of how deeply the war has turned the tables on the country’s energy dominance.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. MZinchenko / Shutterstock
