Russia announces ban on diesel exports, starts importing petroleum products from July
On July 8, Russian authorities announced that to alleviate domestic fuel supply pressure, the government has officially implemented a diesel export ban today, along with a series of measures aimed at securing domestic market supply.
At a government meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that the diesel export ban has taken effect, which will increase domestic diesel supply. Starting in July, Russia will also initiate imports of petroleum products, boost production of lower environmental standard petroleum products to enhance market supply, and extend the zero-tariff policy on petroleum products and additives for another year to further support the domestic fuel market.
Novak noted that current fuel supply conditions in Russia are influenced by multiple factors, including terrorist attacks targeting energy infrastructure that have damaged some refineries. Additionally, the traditional fuel consumption peak associated with the 2026 holiday season coincided with unplanned maintenance at several refineries, intensifying market supply pressure. Under these circumstances, several regions across Russia have already begun imposing restrictions on fuel sales at gas stations. Meanwhile, diesel and gasoline prices at the St. Petersburg Exchange remain high; according to data from the Federal State Statistics Service, the pace of domestic gasoline price increases is accelerating.
Previously, the Russian government imposed an export ban on gasoline in April this year, with the measure remaining in effect until the end of July; from June 1 to November 30, Russia also implemented a temporary export ban on aviation kerosene. Novak had earlier indicated that Russia is considering a complete prohibition on diesel exports.
In late June, Putin spoke about domestic fuel supply conditions, stating that although damage to energy infrastructure has created supply gaps in the domestic fuel market, the situation remains under control. The key priority is to quickly complete refinery maintenance and ensure expanded imports of petroleum products. He also emphasized that Russia’s energy system has a high degree of safety margin.
Beyond ensuring overall market supply, the Russian government has recently placed special emphasis on securing fuel supply for agriculture. Chairwoman of the Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko stated that difficulties in fuel supply must not affect crop harvest schedules, and continuous monitoring of diesel supply to agricultural producers is essential. She pointed out that the government is taking necessary steps to improve the fuel supply situation and stressed that solutions should be jointly sought rather than exaggerating the problems.
Earlier, some members of the Federation Council reported that Russia’s agro-industrial complex faces challenges in fuel and lubricant supply, with some enterprises charging excessively high fuel prices—so much so that there were reports of farmers needing to sell five liters of milk just to buy one liter of fuel. They warned that without adequate fuel supply, harvest operations and feed stockpiling would come to a halt.
In response, Matviyenko instructed responsible officials within the Federation Council to continuously monitor diesel supply assurance, particularly for the agro-industrial sector. She emphasized that the harvest season is currently underway, and Russia cannot afford significant delays in harvesting. Agricultural workers are striving under difficult conditions to secure yields and boost agricultural output, and the state must provide strong support in return.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870208283970579/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author