Oil & Gas

The Russian government said the decision is aimed at ensuring stability in the domestic fuel market, as refinery operations continue to face disruptions linked to ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure. Aviation fuel exports, which are mainly transported by rail to Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, will be fully suspended until the end of November. The restriction follows earlier controls on gasoline exports, while diesel exports remain under review, signaling that Moscow is gradually tightening its refined fuel export framework in response to supply pressures.

Industry data shows Russia’s refining sector is under sustained strain, with diesel production falling by about 10% in May after a similar drop in April, as repeated strikes have forced refineries to reduce or halt operations. Despite declining output, some fuel shipments have still continued, creating a mismatch between domestic demand needs and export flows. This imbalance has pushed policymakers to increasingly redirect supply toward the local market, reinforcing a shift toward energy protectionism during periods of infrastructure vulnerability.

The decision is also expected to affect regional fuel buyers, particularly in Central Asia, where Russian aviation fuel plays a key role in transportation and logistics supply chains. With alternative suppliers limited and global refined fuel markets already tight, the suspension could increase competition for replacement cargoes from other producing regions. The development adds further pressure to an already volatile global energy landscape, where supply disruptions, refinery constraints, and geopolitical risks are increasingly shaping fuel availability and pricing dynamics worldwide.