Russia Considers Diesel Export Ban and Fuel Imports as Crimea Tightens Public Restrictions

MOSCOW, June 23 (Reuters) – Russia is weighing a ban on diesel exports, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced on Tuesday, while a newspaper reported that fuel imports are being considered to alleviate shortages, particularly in Crimea, where public services and activities have been further restricted.

President Vladimir Putin also made his first remarks on Ukraine’s recent strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including a Moscow oil refinery, describing them as an attempt to destabilize society.

He urged the government to adopt additional measures to mitigate the impact of the attacks.

Numerous Russian regions have reported restrictions on fuel sales, rising oil product prices and long queues at gas stations.

Although Russia typically exports a range of oil products and crude, Ukrainian attacks on its refineries have already forced bans on gasoline and jet‑fuel exports.

The Vedomosti newspaper said imports were discussed at a meeting chaired by Novak on Monday.

During a televised government session led by Putin on Tuesday, Novak said Russia was evaluating a diesel export ban and tax‑law changes to support the domestic fuel market.

He added that oil companies had postponed refinery maintenance and were tapping fuel reserves to meet demand.

“We are using previously untapped reserves and encouraging additional domestic supplies. Relevant tax‑law amendments have been prepared in coordination with the government,” he said.

Seaborne diesel and gasoil exports rose 8% to about 3.25 million metric tons in April from March, but were only slightly below the 3.3 million tons recorded in the same month a year earlier, according to market sources and LSEG data.

Exports remained steady in May, with Brazil and Turkey among the main buyers of Russian diesel.

Two industry sources told Reuters that subsidies on imported fuel are being considered to cap prices, a sensitive public issue that could fuel broader inflation.

Novak’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

SEVASTOPOL TIGHTENS RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC LIFE

The city of Sevastopol in Russian‑controlled Crimea announced limits on public‑transport operating hours, shop and café opening times, and street lighting, alongside a ban on mass outdoor activities, following earlier fuel‑sale restrictions.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian‑appointed governor of Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, said on Monday evening that “temporary enforced measures” include closing public transport at 10 p.m., and shutting large shops and cafés at 8 p.m., with street lighting dimmed.

Anzhelika, a resident of Crimea’s largest city who gave only her first name, said the measures were intended for public safety.

“Regarding the street lights, I think it’s the right thing to do; protecting the city comes first,” she said.

Russia’s gasoline output last week fell about 25% from the daily average recorded in June 2025, according to industry sources.

LSEG data and market sources indicate that seaborne oil‑product exports dropped roughly 15% in the first half of June compared with the first half of May, due to unplanned refinery maintenance after repeated drone attacks.

Last week, four industry sources told Reuters that Russia was preparing to import fuel by sea in June to manage the gasoline shortage.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Milla Nissi‑Prussak, Kevin Liffey and Gareth Jones)

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