The Russian government has fully implemented a ban on diesel

Moscow, July 8th (Xinhua) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak announced at a government meeting chaired by Russian President Putin on July 8th that the government has implemented a ban on diesel exports to increase domestic market supply.

 

Putin presided over a meeting of government members via video on the same day, mainly discussing the operation and development of Russia's fuel and transportation industry under the current situation. Putin pointed out that the current fuel shortage problem is only temporary. The enemy is attempting to cause damage to the Russian economy, especially attempting to create a tense atmosphere in Russian society. He emphasized that the Russian energy system has a very high safety margin, ranking among the top in the world. He called for strengthening cooperation between large oil companies in Russia's vertical integration model and independent oil companies, accelerating the conclusion of distribution and retail agreements, no longer limited to their own distribution networks and gas stations, but providing refined oil products to independent gas stations. At the same time, we will expand the production capacity of small and medium-sized refining enterprises as soon as possible and make every effort to ensure the normal operation of the system.

 

Novak reported that due to continuous attacks by Ukraine, Russian civilian infrastructure, including fuel and energy facilities, has been damaged, and some refineries have been damaged, resulting in a temporary partial decrease in gasoline and diesel production. In order to stabilize the domestic market, the Russian government has increased the capacity utilization rate of existing refineries to the highest level, released reserve fuel into the market, shortened maintenance cycles and postponed maintenance plans, completely banned the export of gasoline and aviation kerosene, and fully tapped the capacity of small and medium-sized refineries.

 

Novak stated that despite the aforementioned measures, the overall situation remains severe. The government is continuing to take further measures to address the challenges. The government has implemented a ban on diesel exports on the 8th, which will help increase domestic market supply; Starting from July, we will import refined oil products and further increase production by producing petroleum products with lower environmental standards; Extend the zero tariff policy for imported petroleum products and additives for one year; Discussing the possibility of reducing railway freight rates with the Russian railway company; Reduce the sales quota of gasoline on the exchange from 15% to 10%, improve the intermediary system of the exchange, and limit the price increase during the trading period. Meanwhile, priority should be given to seasonal fuel supply plans for individual regions and agricultural producers; Establish regional working groups to determine the priority direction of fuel supply based on actual conditions, balance domestic demand, and prevent market speculation.

 

According to the Russian government website on the same day, the temporary ban on the export of diesel, marine fuel, and light diesel, which was originally scheduled to expire on the 31st of this month, has been extended to petroleum product production enterprises from today. This move aims to maintain the stability of the domestic fuel market in Russia.

 

The Russian government had previously issued an administrative order imposing temporary export bans on gasoline and other products, as well as partial restrictions on diesel exports. However, at that time, it only applied to non diesel production enterprises (traders), and refining producers could still export normally. (End)

 

(Editor in charge: Ma Changyan)