Russia Considers Limiting Diesel and Jet Fuel Exports After Ukrainian Strikes

Russia is considering restricting exports of diesel and jet fuel after Ukrainian strikes targeted oil refineries.

According to Bloomberg, citing Interfax, Russian companies have been advised to cut petroleum product sales to foreign markets.

One source said a decision to ban diesel and jet fuel exports is in its final stages, though the timing of the restrictions remains unclear.

Another source said the Russian government could soon approve a 1–2 month ban on jet fuel exports.

Meanwhile, according to the source, a ban on diesel exports is considered unlikely because domestic supply remains sufficient.

Bloomberg notes that in recent months, Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy facilities, including oil refineries and related infrastructure.

According to estimates by the analytical company OilX, the average level of oil refining in Russia fell to 4.69 million barrels per day in April – the lowest figure in more than 16 years.

The news agency believes that such a ban could increase pressure on global petroleum product prices.

Russia is currently one of the key exporters of diesel fuel, selling approximately 40% of its production to foreign markets.

And the intensity of Ukrainian strikes threatens an even greater reduction in the country’s oil refining volumes.

Last week, Reuters, citing its own sources and official data, reported that virtually all major oil refineries in central Russia had been forced to halt or reduce fuel production following Ukrainian drone attacks.