MOSCOW — Russia on Wednesday imposed an export ban on diesel as part of emergency measures to stabilise domestic fuel supplies following a wave of Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries that have prompted shortages and sharp price increases in some regions.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told a televised government meeting that the situation at filling stations remained “complex” and that long queues were forming in many areas. He said the diesel export ban, which covers producers as well as traders, will remain in place until July 31 and is intended to redirect cargoes to the domestic market. Novak added that Russia plans to begin fuel imports in July to ease shortages.
The export curbs helped push benchmark European diesel margins to a record $$ \$60.17 $$ per barrel, reflecting tightened global flows. Shipping data showed Russia’s seaborne diesel and gasoil exports collapsed in June, dropping about 39% month-on-month to roughly 1.8 million metric tons and down 46% from 3.35 million tons a year earlier.
Before the ban, Turkey and Brazil had taken at least half of available Russian diesel cargoes in June, with Morocco, Egypt and Senegal also emerging as notable buyers, according to shipping records. The government said the temporary export prohibition applies to producers and is aimed at increasing domestic availability while imports are arranged.