Russia fuel exports decline amid refinery attacks and import plans

Russian maritime petroleum product exports fell to 979,000 barrels per day during the first ten days of October. Diesel and gasoil shipments decreased by 11% compared to the September daily average, while naphtha exports dropped by 4%, according to Bloomberg and Vortexa data.

To stabilize the domestic market, Russia plans to import approximately 620,000 tons of gasoline per month via sea and rail between October and December. These imports could account for 16% to 18% of total supplies. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that gasoline imports will continue at least through the end of 2026 to replenish reserves.

The shift toward imports follows production challenges caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, including facilities in the Saratov and Ryazan regions. While Moscow has begun easing diesel export restrictions following an agreement between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, shipments to the US may take several weeks to finalize due to contract processing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated intentions to continue targeting Russian energy infrastructure.