Russia bans diesel exports and plans fuel imports as Ukrainian drone strikes deepen energy crisis
Moscow imposed an immediate ban on diesel exports until July 31 and announced plans to import fuel, as sustained Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries cause acute shortages and price spikes.
Diesel export ban and fuel imports
On July 8, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced an immediate ban on diesel exports, effective until July 31. The move aims to boost domestic supply amid a deepening fuel crisis. Novak also said Russia will begin importing petroleum products in July and ramp up production of lower ecological class fuels. The decision to import fuel marks a shift for one of the world's largest oil producers, reflecting the severity of the domestic supply crunch.
Today we introduced a ban on diesel exports, which will allow us to increase supplies to the domestic market.
Drone strikes cripple refining capacity
The fuel crisis stems from a sustained Ukrainian campaign of long- and medium-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure. Kyiv intensified these attacks in March, causing acute fuel shortages across Russia. Regional authorities have imposed temporary limits on fuel sales per person, and Reuters reported a sharp rise in fuel prices this week. Ukrainian strikes also disrupted supply routes north of the Sea of Azov, contributing to fuel and power shortages in annexed Crimea.
Stacking export restrictions
The diesel ban is the latest in a series of export curbs. In April, the Kremlin embargoed gasoline exports through the end of July. In early June, a total ban on jet fuel exports was announced, set to last until November 30. Turkey and Brazil were the largest seaborne importers of Russian diesel in 2025, according to Reuters citing LSEG data.
- Ukraine intensifies drone strikes on Russian refineries, triggering fuel shortages.
- Kremlin imposes embargo on gasoline exports until end of July.
- Russia announces total ban on jet fuel exports until November 30.
- Putin denies critical fuel shortage exists.
- Russia bans diesel exports until July 31; plans to import fuel and produce lower-class fuel.
Putin acknowledges threat, floats mini-refineries
During a government meeting on Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin conceded that Ukrainian strikes on the energy network will persist and that large refineries will remain under constant threat. He suggested building a network of mini-refineries to increase domestic supply.
Maybe it is worth considering the possibility of creating an extensive network of mini-refineries right now, under current conditions? We could thereby increase supply on the domestic market.
Just weeks earlier, at the end of June, Putin had denied that the Russian market was facing a critical fuel shortage due to the Ukrainian attacks.
