The Russian government has decided to extend the ban on diesel exports

The Russian government has decided to extend until the end of October the ban on the export of diesel fuel for its direct producers. The current restrictions were due to end on September 30.

Russian media report on the decision, citing sources familiar with the results of a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on September 14.

According to media, the restrictions are being extended to ensure the supply of diesel fuel to the domestic market. Legally, the new decision has yet to be formalized: as of September 16, the corresponding government decree with the new duration of the ban has not been publicly announced.

Local fuel disruptions recorded in Russia

At the meeting on September 14, Russian authorities considered the balance of production and consumption of petroleum products, the utilization of production infrastructure, and existing fuel reserves.

According to the Russian Ministry of Energy, additional units at some refineries have been put into operation, which made it possible to increase the output of petroleum products. At the same time, the authorities acknowledged the existence of local disruptions in fuel supply in a number of regions.

Supplies are being manually adjusted, in particular for Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Arkhangelsk, Tver and Belgorod regions, Perm and Krasnodar territories. Separately, the meeting considered the situation in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.

Novak also instructed to strengthen control over pricing in the small wholesale segment of the fuel market and continue monitoring the balance of production and consumption of petroleum products.

The ban for producers has already been extended several times

At the end of July, the Russian government introduced a new regime of restrictions on the export of gasoline, diesel and marine fuel, and gas oils. Initially, it was assumed that from September 1, direct producers of diesel would again be able to export products, but later this exception was postponed and the ban for them was extended to September 30.

For traders and other market participants, the ban on diesel fuel exports is in effect longer - until the end of January 2027. Exceptions remain for certain deliveries under intergovernmental agreements and humanitarian aid.

In early September, Novak still allowed producers to return to exports after accumulating sufficient diesel reserves. However, after assessing the situation on the domestic market, the government decided to keep the restrictions for another month.

The Russian government restricted diesel exports after Ukraine began strikes on refineries. This decision is being made amid an intensifying fuel crisis on the world market due to military actions in the Middle East.