MOSCOW (Realist English). Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that Russia will consider partially lifting the ban on diesel exports in case of overproduction. The domestic market is balanced, and the ban for producers has been extended until October 31, 2026.
Novak’s key statement
Speaking at the Federation Council on October 2, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the domestic diesel fuel market is balanced and fuel is sufficient. “We will monitor the situation, and in case of diesel overproduction, we will consider the issue of partially opening exports,” he said.
Novak explained the logic of the decision: Russia produces about 80% more diesel than it consumes on the domestic market. It cannot accumulate significantly more than storage capacity allows — otherwise it would have to reduce refining volumes, which would negatively affect the output of other in-demand products.
Extension of the ban
The government extended the temporary ban on exports of diesel and marine fuel, as well as gasoils, by direct producers until October 31, 2026 inclusive. The resolution was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The decision was made to maintain a stable situation on the domestic fuel market, including amid increased demand for motor fuel during the harvest campaign. The general ban on fuel exports is in effect in Russia until January 31, 2027.
Sanctions background
President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will not supply diesel to global energy markets until sanctions against Moscow are lifted. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov added that the condition for lifting the ban will be not only ensuring the domestic market but also the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.
Situation with refineries
Novak characterized the situation with Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure as “tense.” According to him, attacks on four refineries were repelled overnight. Damage from repeated strikes is significantly lower thanks to protection measures, which allows equipment to be restored faster and facilities returned to operation.
Significance for the global market
Russia was the world’s second-largest diesel exporter after the United States before it began restricting foreign sales in the summer of 2026. Global fuel supplies have been disrupted by the war with Iran and attacks on Russian refineries, leading to record diesel price increases in the US and Europe. Novak’s statement about a possible partial opening of exports gives markets hope for easing the deficit.
