Vladimir Putin has been forced to halt diesel exports after a wave of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure triggered fuel shortages across much of the country.
Russia imposed an emergency ban on diesel exports on Wednesday in a bid to shore up domestic supplies, with officials admitting the move is needed to “stabilise” a worsening fuel crisis.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the temporary ban would boost supplies to the home market after weeks of disruption.
“A ban on diesel fuel exports went into effect today, which will allow for increased supplies to the domestic market,” he said during a government meeting with President Putin.
The restrictions will remain in place until July 31, although exports covered by international government agreements will continue.
The emergency measures come after Ukraine intensified long-range drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, fuel depots and energy facilities stretching from occupied Crimea to Siberia.
According to reports, more than 90 per cent of Russian regions have experienced fuel shortages or rationing since June.
Some areas have introduced limits on fuel purchases, while others have banned motorists from filling jerry cans to prevent panic buying.
Videos circulating on social media reportedly show long queues forming at petrol stations, with frustrated drivers arguing as supplies run low.
Putin acknowledged the growing fuel problems but claimed Ukraine’s strategy would fail.
He accused Kyiv of attempting to create panic and undermine Russia’s economy.
“We understand that this is an unachievable task,” Putin said, insisting Russia’s energy system still had “one of the highest safety margins in the world.”
However, he also ordered officials to resolve the shortages “as soon as possible” in occupied Crimea, where supplies have come under particular pressure.
Ukraine has spent months targeting Russia’s oil refineries and fuel infrastructure as part of its strategy to weaken Moscow’s war machine and increase the economic cost of the invasion.
The latest export ban highlights the growing strain on Russia’s domestic fuel market as Kyiv’s long-range drone campaign continues to reach deeper into Russian territory.
With fuel rationing spreading across the country, Ukraine’s strikes appear to be forcing the Kremlin into increasingly desperate measures to keep pumps supplied while maintaining its military campaign.
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