Russia Bans Diesel Exports as Fuel Crisis Worsens After Ukrainian Attacks

Russia has imposed a complete ban on diesel exports and is importing fuel for the first time as a severe fuel crisis spreads across the country, driven by sustained Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries. The ban, announced on July 8, aims to stabilize the domestic market, where shortages have caused hours-long queues at gas stations and price spikes Source: CNN, ABC.es.

What happened

Ukrainian drone strikes have hit at least 35 Russian oil infrastructure targets in recent weeks, including refineries in Saratov, Omsk, and near Moscow Source: euronews, El Confidencial. The attacks forced Russia to halt diesel exports on July 8, with Vice Premier Alexander Novak stating the move would “increase supply to the internal market” Source: Clarín. Russia also began importing petroleum products in July and extended tariff exemptions for imported fuel Source: La Vanguardia.

Impact on Russia

Fuel shortages have affected over 80 regions, with some gas stations rationing to 15–30 liters per car Source: El Mundo. Transport costs from China to Russia surged 15–25% in one month due to logistics disruptions Source: Infobae. The crisis has also hit Kyrgyzstan—which relies on Russian fuel—prompting a ban on its own fuel exports Source: Infobae. Politically, the crisis has eroded trust in President Putin, with his approval dropping 3.4 points in a week Source: El Mundo. The Communist Party is using discontent ahead of September Duma elections Source: La Vanguardia.

Global repercussions

The diesel export ban tightens global supply just as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz. European diesel margins hit a record $60.17 per barrel Source: ABC.es. Turkey and Brazil, Russia's main diesel buyers, may need to compete with Europe for alternative supplies Source: CNN. The International Energy Agency warned that Ukrainian attacks are “exerting increasing pressure on Russian refinery activity” Source: El Español.