Russia extends the ban on diesel exports until the end of October following Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries

The Russian government approved on Wednesday an extension of the ban on diesel exports until the end of October, citing the need to maintain stability on the domestic market and ensure fuel supplies during the harvest season. The decision comes as the global energy market is being affected by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, as well as supply problems.

Moscow said the measure is intended to limit price increases and prevent shortages on the domestic market. Russia has repeatedly imposed restrictions on gasoline and diesel exports after Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries disrupted fuel production and distribution.

At the end of August, Russian authorities had extended the ban until the end of September, with some exceptions for deliveries to former Soviet republics and Mongolia under intergovernmental agreements.

Russia is normally the world's second-largest diesel exporter, after the United States. Before the restrictions, it produced approximately 85 million tonnes annually, about half of which was destined for export. Reduced Russian supplies are putting additional pressure on a market already affected by a deficit and rising pump prices.