Russia Plans Temporary Export Limits on Diesel and Jet Fuel Amid Refinery Disruptions

Russian government officials are reportedly preparing to impose temporary restrictions on the export of diesel fuel and aviation kerosene. The potential measures come amid ongoing disruptions at key oil refineries in central Russia caused by recent drone attacks.

Production Disruptions and Export Controls

The initiative to limit exports is expected to receive approval from the Ministry of Economic Development, with the restrictions possibly lasting one to two months. The move follows a series of consultations coordinated by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who emphasized the need for continuous market monitoring and interagency coordination to stabilize domestic fuel supplies.

"It is necessary to maintain constant monitoring of the situation to ensure coordinated actions between federal authorities and industry companies and to promptly develop additional response measures if needed," Novak stated.

Since April 1, Russia has enforced a complete ban on gasoline exports until July 31 as part of broader efforts to control domestic fuel availability and prices. Diesel export curbs have been repeatedly implemented since September 2023, while a potential embargo on aviation kerosene exports would mark a new development.

Following the meeting, Russian oil companies were advised to voluntarily limit exports of petroleum products to support market stability.

Impact of Drone Attacks on Refinery Capacity

According to official data and industry sources, nearly all major oil refineries in central Russia have been forced to halt or reduce fuel production amid a surge in Ukrainian drone strikes over recent weeks. The combined capacity affected exceeds 83 million tonnes per year—around 238,000 tonnes per day—representing roughly a quarter of Russia's total refining capacity.

This capacity reduction impacts more than 30% of gasoline and approximately 25% of diesel fuel production nationwide, further straining supply chains and prompting government intervention.

Data indicate a sharp increase in attacks on Russian refineries: after no attacks in the first year of the Ukraine conflict, there were 4 in 2023, 34 in 2024, and 88 in 2025. In the first five months of 2026 alone, drone strikes hit oil processing facilities 33 times, surpassing last year's figures.

One of the top five Russian oil refineries, Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez (NORSI) in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod region, was compelled to shut down over half of its production capacity after drone attacks on May 20, significantly reducing fuel output.

Financial Implications for the Russian Oil Sector

The production cuts and export restrictions indicate mounting pressures on Russia's oil refining sector, which is facing operational disruptions alongside regulatory constraints. These developments could affect revenue streams from fuel exports, potentially reducing foreign currency inflows amid geopolitical tensions.

Investors and market analysts should monitor upcoming regulatory announcements and refinery output reports closely, as prolonged export limits may impact balance sheets of major Russian oil companies and alter global fuel supply dynamics.