Russia is contemplating a complete prohibition on diesel exports as a measure to stabilize its domestic fuel market amidst escalating shortages and price hikes, which are attributed to Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil refineries and supply infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged the situation as "challenging but under control" and stated that a total ban on diesel exports is now being evaluated, in addition to existing restrictions on gasoline and jet fuel exports. This marks a change from earlier in the month when Novak indicated that a blanket diesel ban was not immediately necessary. Currently, only Russian companies that produce diesel are permitted to sell it internationally, but a full ban would restrict all export activity.
The Russian Energy Ministry has formed an "industry-wide task force" with major energy corporations to ensure the "stable and efficient operation of the entire energy sector," explicitly recognizing Ukrainian drone strikes as the cause of difficulties in the domestic fuel market. Average gasoline prices in Russia have risen by 6.6% since the start of the year, with a significant weekly jump pushing national averages to 69.11 rubles per liter ($3.56 per gallon) as of June 15. Industry sources reported last week that Russia plans to import fuel from Asia by sea this month due to the shortages, and gasoline output is down 25% compared to the June 2025 average.
Nearly two dozen regions across Russia have implemented restrictions on gasoline and diesel purchases in recent weeks, coinciding with the peak summer vacation travel and agricultural farming seasons. Despite these widespread disruptions, Novak characterized them as "occasional delivery hiccups in certain regions and at specific gas stations." Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian oil refineries and supply lines intensified this spring, aiming to deplete the Kremlin's revenue from surging oil prices. These drone strikes have led to the cessation or reduction of production at facilities responsible for a substantial portion of Russia’s gasoline output.
In response to the crisis, Russian lawmakers are reportedly expediting tax legislation to create government subsidies specifically for financing gasoline imports from India. Additionally, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, in a letter to President Vladimir Putin in May, proposed a temporary overhaul of fuel distribution. He recommended that the government mandate oil companies route at least 30% of their raw crude directly to domestic refineries and temporarily suspend rules requiring top-tier fuel sales on public exchanges, suggesting that middlemen are hoarding fuel to inflate profits. Sechin also proposed that refineries producing emergency, lower-grade fuel be compelled to sell 100% of it publicly, with everyday consumers prioritized for purchase.
