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Russia thinking about restriction on diesel exports, Kommersant reports

The Russian government is thinking about a restriction on exports of diesel due to increasing domestic costs, the Kommersant daily reported on Wednesday, citing a number of unnamed sources.

Russia is the world's top seaborne exporter of diesel just ahead of the United States.

Diesel is its leading oil item export, at about 35 million metric heaps annually, of which almost three-quarters is shipped via pipeline.

Because a full EU embargo on Russian oil item imports was imposed in February 2023, diesel supplies have been diverted to Brazil, Turkey, countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East as well as ship-to-ship (STS) loadings.

The paper said the commodity exchange price of diesel in the European part of Russia had actually jumped by a 5th to 62,000 roubles ($ 716.35) per ton.

Wholesale rates are likely to rise due to high need from farmers during the collecting season and oil refineries upkeep.

Russia suspended exports of diesel last fall for around 2 weeks however resumed pipeline abroad supplies.

Russia is restricting exports of fuel and is due to resume a ban on gasoline exports from August 1.

One of the sources mentioned by Kommersant stated diesel exports might be banned if costs sharply rise, however there is no choice yet.

The Russian energy ministry did not respond to a request for instant remark.

(source: Reuters)