Russia Extends Fuel Export Ban as Ukrainian Drone Strikes Cripple Refining

Russia extended its ban on diesel and marine fuel exports until Sept. 30 to stabilize domestic markets after a record 21 Ukrainian drone strikes in August cut refining capacity to a two-decade low. August refining averaged 3.8 million barrels per day, with gasoline supplies down 20% and diesel production down 23%. The extension signals sustained pressure on Russian fuel supply chains and potential global diesel market tightness.