Russia weighs diesel export ban, fuel imports

Russian officials are considering a full ban on diesel exports and potential fuel imports as the country grapples with severe domestic shortages and rising prices, a situation authorities directly attribute to Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries and supply networks. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced the government is weighing the diesel export ban during a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, June 23, marking a significant shift from his earlier position that such a blanket prohibition was not immediately necessary.

The proposed ban would extend existing restrictions on gasoline and jet fuel exports, further tightening Russia's grip on domestic fuel supplies. Novak stated that oil companies have already maximized refinery output, delayed scheduled maintenance, and are tapping previously unused reserves to meet demand. He described the market situation as challenging but under control, downplaying widespread regional fuel rationing measures as occasional delivery issues.

The disruptions come at a peak demand period, coinciding with the summer travel and agricultural seasons. Independent reports indicate nearly two dozen Russian regions...