The Russian government has banned the export of diesel fuel and will import petroleum products
The Russian government has imposed a ban on diesel fuel exports to stabilize the situation on the fuel market, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced at a government meeting. He noted that the situation remains challenging, as fuel distribution networks are under additional strain and lines have formed at gas stations, and he also announced that imports of petroleum products would begin as early as July.
Russian authorities have previously restricted fuel exports on multiple occasions, notably in September 2023 due to rising domestic prices and in February 2024 amid Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. In late January 2026, the restrictions were extended again, with exceptions made for oil producers to prevent their facilities from becoming overloaded.
Source: Important Stories.
In the temporarily occupied Crimea, fuel problems could escalate into a much more serious crisis. Due to logistical difficulties on the peninsula, prices have already begun to rise, lines are forming, and residents are increasingly stocking up on essential goods.
The shortage of automotive fuel, which was previously observed in the temporarily occupied Crimea, has begun to spread to the southern regions of the Russian Federation. Residents of the Krasnodar Krai and the Rostov Oblast are reporting shortages of gasoline and diesel fuel.
