Russia lifts ban on most diesel exports

Russian government said on Friday that it had lifted the ban on diesel exports via pipelines from ports, removing the bulk of the restrictions it imposed on September 21.

Restrictions on gasoline exports remain in place

According to Reuters, diesel represents the largest portion of Russia’s exports of petroleum products, amounting to about 35 million tons last year, about three-quarters of which were shipped via pipelines. Russia also exported 4.8 million tons of gasoline in 2022

The government said in a statement that it “lifted restrictions imposed on exports of diesel fuel delivered to seaports via a pipeline, on the condition that the manufacturer supplies at least 50 percent of the diesel fuel produced to the local market.”

Restrictions imposed on fuel exports from Russia, the world’s largest exporter of seaborne fuel, contributed to an increase in global prices and prompted some buyers to search for alternative sources of gasoline and diesel.

The government also raised fuel export fees on distributors to 50,000 rubles per ton from 20,000 rubles and restored support provided to oil refineries.