Russia Extends Diesel Export Ban Through October Amid Global Fuel Crunch

Russia prolonged restrictions on diesel exports by domestic fuel producers through the end of October, the government announced on Wednesday.

The decision aims to support domestic fuel market stability, citing higher demand during the harvesting season. This ban also applies to maritime fuel and gasoil. Moscow previously extended its diesel export ban through September, with exemptions for former Soviet republics and Mongolia. Russia, typically the world's second-largest diesel exporter after the United States, had already reduced overseas shipments during the summer.

A separate diesel export ban for non-producers remains active through January, alongside a jet fuel export ban until November 30 and a gasoline export ban until January 2027. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries in 2026 severely disrupted Russia's refining capacity, leading to a domestic fuel crisis. Ukraine's military claimed in July that 43% of Russia's refining capacity had been forced offline.

The average price of gasoline in Russia climbed 21% since the start of the year, reaching 78.51 rubles per liter ($3.39 per gallon) as of September 14. Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service is investigating 58 cases of suspected price gouging. Globally, fuel shortages and sharp price increases are a focus. Diesel prices in the United States climbed above $6.50 a gallon, with supply disruptions linked to conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump attributed rising fuel prices to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The price of diesel in the United Kingdom hit record highs due to the US-Israeli war on Iran. Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide disaster Monday to address record diesel prices, loosening restrictions on fuel and commercial transportation. He asked the Environmental Protection Agency to waive federal ultra-low sulfur diesel requirements. Texas diesel averaged $5.84 per gallon Tuesday, compared to $3.16 a year ago.