Russia plans to extend diesel export curbs while raising quotas

Russia plans to extend restrictions on diesel exports by producers to the end of 2026 while allowing more fuel to leave under quotas, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the discussions. The proposed exemptions would provide a larger route for exports without lifting the restrictions.

The two people said November quotas were expected to total 2 million tonnes, four times October’s reported allowance of 500,000 tonnes. They expected a government order in early November to exempt more refineries and set new limits. Those figures describe planned allowances, not diesel already shipped. Russia’s energy ministry did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

The 31 October deadline applies to restrictions on producers. Restrictions on other exporters already run to the end of January 2027, Russian newspaper Kommersant reported earlier this month. Kommersant also reported a plan for an initial 500,000 tonnes of exports under quotas.

The US Treasury issued a licence on 9 October authorising certain transactions involving Russian-origin diesel, including imports into the United States, under specified sanctions rules. That permission does not grant Russian export quotas or establish that a shipment has reached the US. Reuters reported that a tanker carrying Russian diesel had signalled New York as its destination, but the ship’s manager later said its unloading port or country had not been finalised.