Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Russia Considers Extending Diesel Export Ban as Refineries Struggle
Russia is thinking about keeping a rule that stops some diesel fuel from being exported.
The rule was created to make sure people and businesses in Russia have enough fuel.
Some fuel shortages appeared again in several regions during August.
Industry sources said some refineries were still not operating normally after Ukrainian drone attacks.
Other refineries have finished maintenance and started producing more fuel.
The Russian government says it has not yet decided whether to end the ban.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said there is no diesel shortage across the domestic market.
The ban could last through September or possibly longer.
Russia is considering extending its diesel export ban through September amid renewed domestic fuel shortages.
One industry source said extending the ban through the end of the year is also under discussion.
Several refineries remain idle or have undergone unscheduled maintenance after Ukrainian drone attacks.
Fuel shortages re-emerged in some Russian regions in August after restrictions were eased in late July.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the government had not decided whether to lift the ban and that Russia had no domestic diesel shortage.
- Who
- The Russian government, industry sources, Russian refineries, and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
- What
- Russia is considering extending restrictions on diesel exports because of continuing concerns about domestic fuel supplies.
- When
- The current producer export restriction is scheduled to run through August 31; an extension through September or the end of the year is under discussion.
- Where
- Russia, including regions where fuel shortages re-emerged.
- Why
- Refinery output has been disrupted by Ukrainian drone attacks and unscheduled maintenance, while fuel shortages have returned in some areas.
Government View
Industry Sources' View
Extent of the fuel shortage
Government View
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said there was no diesel shortage on the domestic market.
Industry Sources' View
Industry sources said fuel shortages persisted or re-emerged in some regions during August.
Duration of export controls
Government View
The government has not decided whether to lift the ban, and any adjustment could depend on rising refinery output.
Industry Sources' View
Sources said an extension through September is expected or being considered, with one source saying a ban through the end of the year is also under discussion.
Refinery recovery
Government View
Novak said several refineries had completed maintenance and resumed supplying additional fuel volumes.
Industry Sources' View
Industry sources said a number of refineries were still idle after Ukrainian drone attacks, contributing to supply concerns.
- Initial ban
- Russia introduced the diesel export ban from July 8 through July 31.
- Current producer restriction
- The restriction on fuel producers was later extended through August 31.
- Possible extension
- Officials are considering extending the diesel ban through September; extending it through the end of the year is also under discussion.
- Other fuel restrictions
- Russia has banned diesel exports by non-producers and motor gasoline exports through January 31 of the following year, while jet fuel exports are restricted through the end of November 2026.
- Supply disruption
- Several refineries have remained idle or completed unscheduled maintenance after Ukrainian drone attacks.
- Government position
- Alexander Novak said there was no diesel shortage on Russia's domestic market and that a decision on lifting the ban had not been made.