The Russian government issued a decree on Wednesday, extending the ban on the export of diesel and marine fuel, as well as gas oils exported from Russia by direct producers, until October 31, 2026. The decision was made to maintain a stable situation on the domestic fuel market, including in the context of increased demand for motor fuel during the harvest season,” the government stated. The restrictions were previously extended only until September 30. Meanwhile, Moscow’s general ban on Russian fuel exports remains in effect until January 31, 2027, the same as the ban on diesel fuel exports for non-producers, while the ban on jet fuel exports is in effect until November 30.
IEA: Europe could be most exposed to diesel crisis
International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol said on Tuesday that Europe is among the most exposed regions, “if not the most exposed one,” to the ongoing diesel supply shortages. He noted that the European Union imports “huge amounts of diesel,” especially ahead of the winter season, and warned that supply-chain difficulties are exacerbating the situation. Birol pointed to issues faced by traditional exporters such as Russia and the Gulf states, but also the United States, which is now considering a ban on diesel exports as well. Asked whether the IEA has tried to persuade the Trump administration not to impose a ban, he said that the agency is advising all member countries on actions that are in their interest, as well as in the interest of their allies and partners.
US might ask Europe to tap into diesel reserves
The White House might contact European governments to ask them to release diesel from their own strategic reserves, as the Trump administration continues to search for options that would allow it to skip a complete diesel export ban, Politico reported on Tuesday, citing sources. Meanwhile, United States Interior Secretary Doug Burgum hinted at the plan previously, telling reporters that “it is a fact that the Europeans have a lot of diesel reserves.”
Paul Hickin, the chief economist and editor-in-chief at London-based Petroleum Economist, previously shared that Europe has 350 million barrels of diesel in reserves, with this being the biggest combined commercial and government reserves of the fuel in the world. A spokesperson for the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy suggested that the country is unlikely to agree to such a move unless there is an actual shortage.