Moscow extends ban on diesel exports for fuel producers until end of October

Russia previously introduced restrictions on gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel exports to manage a severe domestic fuel crisis, which has been significantly worsened by relentless Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries.

The temporary embargo, first introduced in late September 2025, initially targeted independent traders who did not produce fuel, alongside smaller refineries with an annual capacity of under 1 million metric tons.

In early July 2026, the Russian government expanded the embargo to encompass all fuel producers, setting the existing ban on diesel exports to expire at the end of September.

The restrictions exclude diesel fuel exported under international agreements or designated for humanitarian shipments.

Meanwhile, a similar ban on Russian gasoline exports remains in effect through January 31, 2027.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a decree restricting access to and banning the dissemination of information about Russian oil refinery operations and energy exports. The ban covers data on processing and production volumes, deliveries, transportation routes, terminals, and storage facilities.

Ukraine’s General Staff previously said attacks by Ukrainian defense forces on Russian oil refineries had disabled more than 45% of Russia’s nominal refining capacity. Zelesnkyy later confirmed the 45% figure.

U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries during a phone call between the two leaders on September 20.

Amid a deepening fuel crisis, Russia has begun importing gasoline from India, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Morocco.