Russia Extends Diesel Export Ban Until End of October

Sep. 30, 2026 Arthur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports for fuel producers until Oct. 31, the government said on Wednesday, adding further strain to a global energy market already rattled by the wars in Ukraine and Iran. "The decision was taken to maintain stability in the domestic fuel market, particularly given the elevated demand for motor fuel during the harvest season," a government press release read. Since the summer, Russia has repeatedly imposed curbs on gasoline and diesel exports to rein in rising fuel prices and tackle shortages triggered by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. Ukraine's military claimed last week that it knocked out more than 45% of Russia's refining capacity. A growing number of Russian regions have recently seen the reintroduction of fuel rationing measures to combat shortages of gasoline and diesel. Industry analysts previously warned that supplies will remain tight across much of the country until peak demand subsides in the fall. The average price of gasoline in Russia has climbed 21% since the start of the year, with a single-week increase pushing the national average to 78.51 rubles per liter ($3.39 per gallon) as of Sept. 14. A separate diesel export ban for non-producers remains in effect through January. An export ban on jet fuel also remains active through November, alongside a total ban on gasoline exports in place through January. Also on Wednesday, Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service said it was investigating 58 cases of suspected price gouging by independent gas station chains across the country amid the recent fuel shortages. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Gasoline 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 Switch to Biking to Save Fuel, Stavropol Governor Tells Officials as Shortages Persist From Tuesday, members of the regional government will need the governor's personal approval to travel outside the regional capital, Governor Vladimir Vladimirov... 2 Min read Irkutsk Police Fine Gasoline Scalpers as Governor Declares ‘High Alert’ Over Supply Problems Regional law enforcement said several people were caught reselling gasoline online and charging as much as $12.15 per gallon. 2 Min read Putin Admits Ukrainian Strikes Driving Fuel Shortages The Kremlin leader said Russia is facing a “certain shortage” of fuel but stressed that it had not yet reached a “critical” phase. 2 Min read Regions Calling: As Fuel Crisis Widens, Russia's Regions Brace for the Worst Fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and supply networks are transforming lives across Russia’s regions. What comes next? 7 Min read