Drones hit Russian diesel: exports fall to 5-year low
23 September 2025 20:23
Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian refineries have led to a significant reduction in diesel exports. If current trends continue, the September export figure could be the lowest since 2020. This was reported by the Financial Times, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Strikes on refineries and their consequences
- Since the beginning of August 2025, 16 out of 38 Russian oil refineries have been attacked by drones, some of them several times.
- The operation of refining facilities was disrupted by more than 1 million barrels per day.
- As a result, exports of diesel fuel have been severely reduced, and the Russian government is discussing a complete ban on the sale of diesel abroad by the end of the year.
- The ban on gasoline exports has been in place for several months, but diesel has not been restricted before.
Falling exports and the domestic market
- Between September 1 and 15 , 2025 , 3.3 million tons of fuel were shipped from Russian ports to foreign markets, down 18% from the same period in 2024 and 16% less than the average value in July.
- Despite the decline in exports, there is no domestic shortage of diesel, with production exceeding domestic demand by more than 50%.
Additional implications for the Russian oil industry
- The Ukrainian attacks have led to the need to reduce oil production in Russia.
- The Black Sea Institute for Strategic Studies monitoring group reports that in August 2025, 43.6% of Russian offshore oil tankers were operating under EU, US and UK sanctions.
- Russia’s shadow fleet currently accounts for about 17% of all active oil ships in the world, which is 45% more than in early 2024 (940 ships).
Export restrictions and attacks on refineries demonstrate the growing dependence of the Russian economy on the domestic market and shadow oil transportation schemes. A drop in diesel exports could increase pressure on public finances and Russia’s strategic plans for its oil business in global markets.
