Russia on Monday announced a ban on aviation fuel exports until November 30 as it seeks to safeguard domestic supplies amid falling refinery output and growing pressure on its energy infrastructure.Announcing the move, the Russian government said the restriction was aimed at maintaining stability in the domestic fuel market. “The aim of this decision is to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market,” the government said.The decision comes after reports emerged that Moscow was considering curbs on diesel and jet fuel exports as refinery run rates dropped to multi-year lows following a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy facilities.According to Russian news agency Interfax, oil companies were recently advised to reduce sales of fuel products to foreign markets following a meeting on the domestic fuel situation chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Bloomberg reported. The move comes as Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and pipeline facilities in recent months.The strikes have affected Russia’s fuel-processing capacity and raised concerns about maintaining adequate domestic supplies, especially during periods of higher seasonal demand.According to estimates by energy analytics firm OilX, Russia’s average refinery runs fell to about 4.69 million barrels per day in April, the lowest level in more than 16 years.The decline in refinery operations has increased pressure on the government to prioritise domestic fuel needs over exports.
Possible impact on global fuel markets
Russia is one of the world’s largest exporters of refined petroleum products and sells a significant share of its diesel and aviation fuel to overseas markets.Analysts have warned that restrictions on Russian fuel exports could tighten global supplies and put upward pressure on international fuel prices.Russian authorities have repeatedly said that ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies within the country remains a priority.Following a recent meeting on the domestic fuel market, Deputy Prime Minister Novak stressed the need for continuous monitoring of fuel supplies and coordination between government agencies and energy companies.“It is necessary to continue constant monitoring of the situation in the domestic oil-product market to ensure coordination between federal agencies and companies, and, if necessary, to develop additional response measures in a timely manner,” Novak had said.
