Russia considers a diesel export ban as Ukraine strikes force Crimea halt civilian fuel sales

Following intensified Ukrainian drone strikes on energy infrastructure, Russian-backed authorities in occupied Crimea have suspended civilian gasoline sales, reserving fuel solely for state agencies. The strikes have triggered a severe regional energy crisis, prompting Sevastopol to restrict public transit and business hours. Nationally, Russia's gasoline output has fallen 25% compared to last year, forcing Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak to consider a diesel export ban, fuel imports, and subsidies to cap domestic prices.

Diesel export ban consideration

• ▪Russia is considering changes to tax legislation alongside a diesel export ban to help stabilize the domestic fuel market
• ▪Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on June 23, 2026, that Russia is considering a ban on diesel exports to prevent domestic fuel shortages

Ukrainian strikes on refineries

• ▪Ukrainian drone strikes targeted a Crimean oil depot in Kerch and an oil transport facility in Russia's southern Krasnodar region
• ▪A Ukrainian drone strike on an oil depot in Kerch killed four people and wounded 28 others
• ▪A drone strike sparked a fire at a Black Sea oil terminal in the village of Chushka and struck a ferry, killing one person

Fuel shortages across Russia

• ▪Numerous regions across Russia have reported fuel sales restrictions, rising prices of oil products, and long queues at filling stations
• ▪Russia's gasoline output fell by approximately 25% last week compared to the daily average in June 2025
• ▪Russia's seaborne oil product exports decreased by about 15% in the first half of June 2026 compared to the first half of May 2026

Sales restrictions at stations

• ▪Crimean authorities previously restricted gasoline sales to 20 liters per vehicle owner per week using prepaid coupons at the end of May 2026
• ▪Governor Sergey Aksyonov suspended all civilian gasoline sales at Crimean gas stations to non-state companies and individuals for an undefined period

Sevastopol public life restrictions

• ▪The city of Sevastopol in Russian-controlled Crimea restricted the operating hours of public transport, shops, cafes, and street lights
• ▪Sevastopol Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev banned mass outdoor activities and ordered public transport to close at 10 p.m. and large shops and cafes at 8 p.m.

Government subsidy measures

• ▪Russian authorities considered implementing subsidies on imported fuel to cap domestic fuel prices and prevent wider inflation
• ▪Russian officials discussed importing fuel by sea as an option to manage domestic shortages at a meeting chaired by Alexander Novak