Russia restricts diesel exports as gasoline output falls to 70 per cent of demand
Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports by producers until the end of September to stabilise the domestic market, as recent drone strikes leave domestic gasoline production covering only about 70 per cent of summer demand. Regional authorities have reintroduced sales limits at local filling stations.
Economics & Markets··Night
Gasoline output falls short
Drone strikes on major refineries over the past week have pushed Russia's gasoline production down to roughly 80,000 tonnes a day, covering only about 70 per cent of the estimated 115,000-tonne summer demand. Regional authorities have responded by imposing sales schedules keyed to number plates and per-customer volume caps at filling stations. Imports are covering the shortfall, with traders estimating that 220,000 tonnes of seaborne supplies from Asia and gasoline from Belarus have already been delivered in August.[1]
Diesel export ban extended
To keep the domestic fuel market stable during the constraints, the Russian government signed a decree extending the ban on diesel, marine fuel and gas oil exports by producers through 30 September 2026. The restriction had been scheduled to lapse on 31 August. Unplanned refinery repairs have coincided with a seasonal jump in consumption, prompting the government to allow lower-grade Euro-2, Euro-3 and Euro-4 fuel onto the market.[2]
Broadening restrictions
A general ban on fuel exports remains in place until 31 January 2027, alongside a ban on diesel exports by non-producers that runs to the same date. Jet fuel exports are also barred until 30 November. Russia has been importing refined products since July to offset the disruptions, and the Energy Ministry has not commented on the production drop.[1], [2]
