Russia increased fuel exports despite domestic market deficit

In September 2026, Russia significantly increased exports of gasoline and diesel fuel, despite a shortage on the domestic market, queues at gas stations and government-imposed restrictions. Supplies of certain types of fuel abroad grew more than twice compared to August.

This is reported by "Verstka", which analyzed statistics from the Russian Ministry of Energy on exports by all modes of transport.

In September, Russia exported 323 thousand tons of A-92 gasoline - 77% more than in August. Supplies of A-95 and higher gasoline increased 2.2 times, to 449 thousand tons. Diesel fuel exports rose by 33% and exceeded 3 million tons.

In total, over the month Russia sent abroad over 772 thousand tons of gasoline of two main grades. For comparison, in August the corresponding figure was 386 thousand tons, and diesel exports were 2.278 million tons.

The increase came after several months of reduced supplies. Since June, the Russian fuel market has faced the consequences of Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. Damage to production facilities and disruptions at refineries led to fuel shortages in certain regions of the Russian Federation. Queues appeared at gas stations, and some networks limited sales volumes.

Back in May, Russia exported over 5 million tons of diesel fuel, but in June this figure dropped to 3.7 million tons, and in August it decreased to 2.278 million tons. Thus, the September increase does not mean a full restoration of exports to levels seen before the exacerbation of the fuel crisis.

At the end of July, the Russian government decided to temporarily ban exports of gasoline, diesel and some other petroleum products from August 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. However, the restrictions provided for exceptions. In particular, from September 1, direct producers were able to export diesel and marine fuel, as well as gas oils. Certain supplies were allowed under intergovernmental agreements.

Despite the restrictions, foreign supplies increased in September. Meanwhile, on October 18, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia allegedly exports only surplus fuel, and ensuring the domestic market remains a priority of the government.

The new statistical data concern the period before the October agreements between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which Moscow announced a further easing of diesel export restrictions.

Therefore, the growth in Russian foreign supplies began before these agreements, although disruptions in fuel supply continued to be recorded inside the country.

Based on: "Verstka", 21.10.2026, data from the Russian government