Diesel fuel reserves in Russia exceed demand, last year's levels; export ban unnecessary - energy minister

KAZAN. April 3 (Interfax) - The situation with the supply of diesel fuel in Russia is stable; domestic oil refineries are producing diesel fuel in amounts that significantly exceed domestic needs, including increased demand during the spring sowing campaign, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev told journalists on the sidelines of the Energoprom 2026 forum.

"We also note that current diesel fuel reserves exceed the figures for the same period last year, which creates an additional margin of safety for uninterrupted supply to consumers, including farmers," Tsivilev said.

There is therefore no need to introduce additional restrictions on diesel fuel exports, he said.

On January 31, 2026, the Russian government banned exports of all types of gasoline, diesel fuel, marine fuel and other gas oils until July 31, making an exception for refineries that processed over 1 million tonnes of oil in 2022 (the producer category).

On April 2, this restriction was supplemented by a ban on gasoline exports for producers as well. An exception was made only for exports under intergovernmental agreements.