Russia curbs diesel exports, continues gasoline restrictions after refinery strikes plummet production

In a new attempt to stabilize domestic fuel supplies, Russia has introduced tighter controls on energy exports following months of refinery disruptions. The export limitations will now cover not only gasoline, but also diesel.

Russia announces new fuel export restrictions

Liga reports that Russian Vice Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on 25 September that the government would extend the existing ban on gasoline exports through the end of the year. At the same time, a new export ban will target diesel fuel, but only for traders — producers will still be allowed to continue shipments.

“There is a decision. We will extend the gasoline export ban until the end of the year, and a ban will also be introduced on diesel exports for non-producers, also until the end of the year,” Novak was quoted as saying by Russian state-run agency TASS.

Despite the escalation in export restrictions, Novak claimed the internal market was only facing a “small deficit” of fuel. He added that the shortfall would be covered using accumulated reserves.

Ukrainian drone campaign affects Russian refining

According to research group Energy Aspects, as cited earlier this week by Financial Times, the strikes disrupted over 1 million barrels per day in refinery output.

Since the beginning of August 2025, 16 out of Russia’s 38 oil refineries have been hit by Ukrainian drone strikes. Some were targeted more than once. The attacks have sharply reduced refining capacity.

Several facilities halted or scaled back operations in recent days, including the Novokuybyshevsk refinery near Samara, Neftekhim Salavat facility in Bashkortostan, and one of the processing units at the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery near Saint Petersburg.