Russia has banned exports of diesel following a government meeting on the fuel and transport sector held on 7 July 2026, as the country prepares to begin importing fuel this month to meet surging domestic demand.
The move comes as Ukrainian drone strikes continue to hit Russian refineries deep inside the country. A Monday attack forced the largest refinery in Siberia, in Omsk, to halt operations, and Russia has lost nearly half of its oil processing capacity. Fuel demand is up a third compared to last year.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged in late July that Russia faces a "certain shortage" of fuel. On the Crimean peninsula, gasoline sales to private individuals have been banned and authorities have declared an emergency.