Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports for fuel producers until Oct. 31, the government said on Wednesday, adding further strain to a global energy market already rattled by the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
"The decision was taken to maintain stability in the domestic fuel market, particularly given the elevated demand for motor fuel during the harvest season," a government press release read.
Since the summer, Russia has repeatedly imposed curbs on gasoline and diesel exports to rein in rising fuel prices and tackle shortages triggered by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries.
Ukraine's military claimed last week that it knocked out more than 45% of Russia's refining capacity.
A growing number of Russian regions have recently seen the reintroduction of fuel rationing measures to combat shortages of gasoline and diesel. Industry analysts previously warned that supplies will remain tight across much of the country until peak demand subsides in the fall.
The average price of gasoline in Russia has climbed 21% since the start of the year, with a single-week increase pushing the national average to 78.51 rubles per liter ($3.39 per gallon) as of Sept. 14.
A separate diesel export ban for non-producers remains in effect through January. An export ban on jet fuel also remains active through November, alongside a total ban on gasoline exports in place through January.
Also on Wednesday, Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service said it was investigating 58 cases of suspected price gouging by independent gas station chains across the country amid the recent fuel shortages.
Reuters contributed reporting.
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