Russia Weighs Diesel Export Ban After Ukrainian Refinery Strikes

The Russian government is considering a complete ban on diesel exports and the import of fuel by sea to mitigate domestic shortages caused by intensified Ukrainian drone strikes. Alexander Novak, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, chaired meetings on June 22 and 23 to address rising fuel prices, long gas station queues, and supply disruptions. To stabilize the market, the government is drafting tax legislation changes to encourage domestic deliveries and is urging oil companies to tap unused reserves and postpone refinery maintenance.

President Vladimir Putin characterized the attacks as a ploy to destabilize Russian society and ordered immediate measures to offset the damage. The strikes targeted the Kapotnya refinery near Moscow, a facility in Krasnodar, and an oil depot in Crimea. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the operations as a justified reaction to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and a monastery, asserting that long-range strikes are working toward peace.

The domestic crisis has hit occupied Crimea particularly hard. Local authorities halted gas sales for civilians and non-state companies indefinitely, while officials in Sevastopol implemented emergency measures including curfews on public transport, restricted business hours, and dimmed street lighting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov vowed that Russia would retaliate with regular massive group strikes against targets affecting the combat readiness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.