Russia's Diesel Output Falls Another 10% in May as Drone Strikes Stall Refineries
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 29
Russia's Diesel Output Falls Another 10% in May as Drone Strikes Stall Refineries
6 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 29
Russia’s diesel production dropped about 10% in May after a similar 10% fall in April, with drone-hit refineries cutting output by up to another 600,000 tons.
Central Russian plants were forced to reduce or halt runs after Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure aimed at shrinking Moscow’s oil-and-gas war revenues.
Exports have stayed resilient despite the production hit: seaborne diesel and gasoil shipments rose 8% to about 3.25 million tons in April and held steady in May.
That balance is straining domestic supply management during peak farm demand, with the government weighing an export ban even as industry sources say restrictions are unlikely.
The outages may also curb Russia’s ability to capitalize on oil-price gains tied to the Iran war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
Are Ukraine's refinery strikes crippling Russia or just driving up oil prices to Moscow's benefit?
How does Russia's 'shadow fleet' keep its oil flowing despite sanctions and constant drone attacks?
With a new Iran war and Russian refineries burning, is the world facing an unprecedented energy crisis?
Russia’s Fuel Production Plunges Amid Record Drone Strikes: Economic, Military, and Social Fallout in 2026
Overview
In June 2026, Russia’s fuel production is under severe strain as Ukrainian drone attacks repeatedly target its vital oil refineries, which are essential for producing fuels like diesel and gasoline. These strikes have forced Moscow to take urgent steps, such as banning gasoline exports and considering further restrictions, to stabilize the domestic fuel market amid high seasonal demand and rising global oil prices. Despite these efforts, industry insiders doubt that broader export bans on diesel and jet fuel will be implemented, as refineries are already struggling to keep up with disruptions and operational challenges.