MOSCOW — Russia is set to extend its diesel export ban through September as fuel shortages persist in the domestic market, with a number of refineries still idle following repeated Ukrainian drone attacks, three industry sources told Reuters.
One of the sources said extending the ban until the end of the year is also under discussion. Russia's Energy Ministry did not respond to a Reuters request to comment.
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Russia introduced the ban from July 8 to July 31 as part of a broader package of measures to support the domestic fuel market, and later extended it for fuel producers until Aug 31.
Russia has also banned exports of diesel for non-producers and motor gasoline until Jan 31 next year and jet fuel until the end of November 2026.
However, fuel shortages re-emerged in some regions in August after a brief improvement in late July, when local authorities gradually lifted or eased restrictions.
The diesel export ban could be adjusted depending on output growth as Russian refineries complete unscheduled maintenance after attacks, one market source said.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said last week that the government had yet to decide whether to lift the ban, adding that there was no diesel shortage on the domestic market.
Several refineries have completed maintenance and resumed supplying additional fuel volumes, Novak said.
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