Russia Extends Diesel Export Ban

The Russian government has decided to extend restrictions on diesel exports by producers through the end of October as Ukrainian drone attacks continue to disrupt the country’s refining industry.

The decision was reported by Russian business daily Vedomosti following a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. The current restrictions had been due to expire at the end of September.

Moscow has imposed restrictions on fuel exports in an effort to protect domestic supplies as Ukrainian drone attacks inflict mounting damage on Russian oil refineries.

Three of Russia’s six largest diesel-producing refineries either significantly reduced production or halted operations altogether in September because of damage from drone attacks, according to Reuters. The six facilities together account for roughly half of Russia’s diesel production.

US President Donald Trump has also called on Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian refineries, arguing that the resulting diesel shortage is “hurting the world”.

Trump subsequently claimed that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop attacking each other’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials, however, expressed skepticism about whether Russia would abide by such an arrangement, and attacks on energy facilities have continued.

(Reuters, max)