Russia bans diesel exports to curb domestic shortage

Russia has banned the export of diesel fuel in an attempt to stabilize its domestic market, a drastic measure taken in response to a worsening fuel crisis caused by sustained Ukrainian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced the ban during a government meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, July 8, stating it would increase supplies to the domestic market for the remainder of July.

The government later clarified that the ban, which includes producers of the fuel, will be in effect until July 31 and does not apply to shipments made under existing international intergovernmental agreements. The decision follows weeks of intensifying Ukrainian drone strikes targeting oil refineries, depots, and terminals deep inside Russia, which have significantly reduced the country's crude-processing capacity. Officials and local media reports indicate more than 90 percent of Russian regions have experienced fuel rationing or shortages since June, leading to hours-long queues at petrol stations and social tension.

Novak acknowledged the public concern, stating the situation at filling stations remains complex and is causing...