Russia may restrict diesel exports due to strikes on refineries

The russian authorities are considering the possibility of restricting the export of diesel and aviation fuel against the backdrop of a drop in oil refining volumes after Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure. The final decision has not yet been made, but its preparation is in the final stage.

This was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources and data from Interfax.

According to the agency’s interlocutors, russian companies have already been recommended to reduce fuel sales abroad. One of the sources claims that a ban on the export of diesel fuel and aviation kerosene may be introduced in the near future, although specific terms have not yet been named.

As Bloomberg notes, such a step may affect the global market, since russia remains one of the largest suppliers of diesel fuel in the world. About 40% of Russian diesel production is exported.

The reason for discussing the restrictions is called regular strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy facilities. According to estimates by the analytical company OilX, in April the average level of oil refining in Russia fell to 4.69 million barrels per day – this is the lowest figure in more than 16 years.

Analysts also warn that further attacks could hit the industry even harder just before the season of increased demand for fuel within russia.

Recall that on the night of May 21, the Special Operations Forces together with the Unmanned Systems Forces struck the Syzran Oil Refinery in the Samara Oblast of the russian federation, which is more than 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. A large-scale fire was recorded at the facility.