Russia on Wednesday declared that it will halt diesel exports in order to increase domestic supply, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Novak added that Russia would begin importing petroleum products in July to help stabilize the country’s fuel market.
“We will also begin importing petroleum products in July and increase production volumes by sourcing petroleum products of a lower environmental class,” he said.
Following recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, several facilities temporarily halted operations for maintenance. In response, Moscow has periodically introduced export restrictions as part of efforts to stabilize the domestic fuel market.
In early June, Russia introduced a temporary suspension of aviation fuel exports, effective through November 30, as part of measures to support stability in the domestic fuel market.
Ukraine’s General Staff reported last month that its forces targeted 16 major Russian oil refineries and fuel terminals between January and June, disrupting more than 30% of Russia’s oil refining capacity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure have contributed to fuel shortages but emphasized that the situation remains under control.
“We are currently seeing a certain shortage, but it’s not critical,” Putin said, adding that damaged energy facilities were being restored quickly.
At the end of June, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia intends to import gas from abroad to help stabilize the domestic market. The decision represents a rare measure, as the country has not relied on significant energy imports since the 1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
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