Russia bans aviation fuel exports until November 30

Russia has banned aviation fuel exports until November 30 to stabilize its domestic market following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on its energy infrastructure. The move comes as Russia faces significant drops in diesel and jet fuel production from damaged refineries.

June 1, 2026

REUTERS

Russia bans aviation fuel exports until November 30

A Spirit Airlines aircraft sits at Miami International Airport in Florida, U.S., on May 2, 2026, after the carrier abruptly canceled flights overnight, stranding passengers and staff across the United States, Caribbean and Latin America following a collapse under financial pressure driven in part by rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war.

Nathan Howard / Reuters

MOSCOW — The Russian government has banned aviation fuel exports until November 30, officials announced Monday, as Ukrainian strikes on Russia's refineries and other energy infrastructure continue.

Russia exports jet fuel mainly by rail to Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

"The aim of this decision is to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market," the government said in an official statement.

While Russia has already restricted gasoline exports, it has yet to take action on diesel. However, the Interfax news agency reported last week that restrictions on diesel are currently being considered.

Production and Export Trends

According to Reuters data released Friday, Russia's diesel production fell by about 10% in May, following a separate 10% monthly drop in April. This decline comes as Ukrainian drone attacks on local refineries have forced facilities to either reduce or completely halt output. Despite the drop in production, exports of the fuel actually rose during that period.

-Reporting by Reuters. Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and David Goodman