Full Breakdown
Russia Considers Fuel Imports and Diesel Export Ban Amid Ukrainian Drone Strikes
6/24/2026, 2:08:05 AM
Ban on Canister Refueling in Bryansk
Acting governor Yegor Kovalchuk announced a ban on dispensing fuel into canisters to prevent an artificial shortage after residents reported rising gasoline prices. Vehicle refueling remains unaffected.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Undermine Refinery Output
Repeated Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged Russian oil refineries, curtailing gasoline, diesel and jet-fuel production and prompting Moscow to halt gasoline and jet-fuel exports.
Production Drop and Export Trends
Industry sources say gasoline output fell about 25 percent last week versus the June 2025 daily average. Seaborne oil-product exports slipped roughly 15 percent in the first half of June compared with May. Diesel shipments, however, stayed near prior levels, with an 8 percent rise in April and stable volumes in May.
Government Measures, Statements and Discrepancies
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia is weighing a diesel export ban and fuel imports, noting that untapped reserves are now being used and tax-legislation amendments are prepared to boost domestic supply. President Vladimir Putin labeled the refinery attacks “a ploy to destabilise society” and urged additional steps to offset their impact. Novak’s remarks on a possible export ban contrast with data showing diesel exports remain stable, leaving the ban’s timing unclear. The government also discussed subsidies for imported fuel to cap domestic prices. In Crimea, governor Mikhail Razvozhayev ordered temporary closures of public transport, shops and cafes and dimmed street lighting.
Local Reactions
Sevastopol resident Anzhelika welcomed the reduced street lighting, saying it “protects the city.” Residents in Bryansk expressed concern over rising fuel prices, prompting the canister-refueling ban.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To avoid creating an artificial shortage, a ban on refueling into containers has been introduced – Kovalchuk reported.” — Yegor Kovalchuk, Acting Governor, Bryansk region
- “We are using reserves that were not previously tapped, and are also encouraging increased supplies of additional volumes to the domestic market. Relevant amendments to tax legislation have been prepared in coordination with the government,” — Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister
- “Russian President Vladimir Putin also made his first comments about Ukraine's recent strikes on civilian infrastructure, including on Moscow's oil refinery, saying they were a ploy to destabilise society.” — Vladimir Putin, President of Russia
- “On the street lights, I think that's the right thing to do, the protection of the city comes first,” — Anzhelika, Sevastopol resident
What’s Next
Sources indicate Russia may begin importing fuel by sea in June and is evaluating subsidies to limit price rises. The proposed diesel export ban remains under discussion, with legislative changes pending further assessment of refinery capacity and domestic demand.
