Crisis deepens: Russia bans diesel exports

Russia imposed a ban on diesel fuel exports on July 8 to ensure domestic supply after systematic Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries, The Moscow Times and Reuters reported. The government announced that the ban, affecting fuel producers, will remain in effect until July 31.

The emergency decision was announced at a government meeting, the main topic of which was the situation in the fuel and transport sectors. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, responsible for the fuel market, said at the meeting that the government has maximized the production load of factories and shortened repair periods, Iz.ru reported.

"Today, a ban on diesel fuel exports was imposed, which will make it possible to increase domestic market supply," Novak said, adding that Russia will begin importing fuel in July. He also admitted that it is clear that the current situation at gas stations causes public concern.

Putin, in turn, called Ukraine's actions at the meeting an attempt to damage the Russian economy and create anxiety in society. "We all understand that this goal is unattainable. The resilience of Russia's energy system is very high — one of the highest in the world," he added.

Putin ordered the rapid resolution of the fuel crisis in Crimea and the allocation of support to the region and Sevastopol for the purchase of fuel.