Russia bans diesel exports as refinery strikes squeeze supply

Russia introduced a ban on diesel exports on Wednesday after systematic Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries triggered gasoline and diesel shortages, officials said. Drivers in many regions are facing hours-long lines to refuel, and authorities described the domestic fuel situation as complicated.

Moscow bans diesel exports

The measure was announced as part of a package intended to stabilise the home market, officials said. Alexander Novak told a televised government meeting chaired by Vladimir Putin that "it is clear that the current situation at filling stations is causing concern among the public." The ban aims to prioritise domestic availability while state agencies assess damage at processing facilities.

Refinery and logistics sites suffered damage in a wave of attacks that officials say has tightened supplies. Russian ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones struck Kyiv and other Ukrainian targets on Wednesday, killing civilians, while Russian officials reported casualties and industrial damage from overnight Ukrainian drone strikes inside Russia.

Moscow also criticised NATO’s recent aid decisions and warned of wider consequences, according to the foreign ministry spokesperson. The moves come as Ukraine seeks broader missile-defence supplies and as both sides carry out strikes that touch civil infrastructure and ports.

Watch for whether Moscow publishes implementing regulations or a timeline for lifting the ban by July 14; that date will signal how long consumers and regional fuel markets must absorb constrained supply.