Russia Bans Diesel Exports to Ensure Domestic Supply After Targeted Ukrainian Drone Strikes

By Reuters July 8, 2026 Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. kremlin.ru Russia introduced a ban on diesel exports on Wednesday as part of a raft of measures to support the domestic fuel market after a campaign of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries triggered shortages and price spikes in some regions. Drivers in many regions are facing hours-long lines to refuel, as intensifying Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure squeeze supplies of diesel and gasoline. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told a televised government meeting that the fuel situation remained complex and that "it is clear that the current situation at filling stations is causing concern among the public." "Today, a ban on diesel fuel exports was introduced, and this will make it possible to increase supplies to the domestic market," he said, adding that Russia would start importing fuel in July. The government said the ban, which includes producers of the fuel, will be in place until July 31. Benchmark European diesel margins LGOc1-LCOc1 rose to a record $60.17 per barrel after Russia banned exports. In June, Turkey and Brazil remained the dominant buyers, together absorbing at least half of the available cargoes, shipping data showed. Russia's exports of seaborne diesel and gasoil exports had already plunged in June, collapsing by 39% from the previous month to around 1.8 million metric tons and falling 46% from 3.35 million tons in the same month a year ago. Beyond the main buyers, Morocco, Egypt and Senegal also emerged as major importers of Russian diesel cargoes in June, shipping data showed. Read more about: Ukraine war , Energy , Exports , Business , Economy Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more News Analysis Cracks in Russia’s Economy Shine Through at SPIEF Amid the spectacle of Russia's centerpiece business event, top executives and officials hinted at growing unease about the state of the economy. 5 Min read Drone Strikes Force Central Russian Refineries to Halt or Cut Output – Reuters The combined annual capacity of refineries that have either fully halted or significantly reduced operations is nearly one-quarter of Russia’s total... 2 Min read Russia’s Natural Gas Exports to Europe Plunge to Historic Lows With limited buyers and few alternatives, Gazprom faces mounting losses as a glut of unsold gas weighs on the Russian economy. 3 Min read Russia Says Redirected Most Oil Exports to China, India Western sanctions including a European Union embargo on its seaborne oil deliveries have forced Russia to direct its exports to other markets. 2 Min read