▲ Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak
Russia, reeling from concentrated Ukrainian attacks on its energy infrastructure, has decided to ban the export of diesel fuel, following a similar restriction on aviation fuel.
According to TASS news agency on July 9 (local time), Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced the day before that the country is introducing a ban on diesel fuel exports, stating that it will lead to an increase in supply for the domestic market.
The Russian government previously announced early last month that it would suspend aviation fuel exports until November 30 of this year.
While acknowledging that the domestic energy market has partially stabilized, Deputy Prime Minister Novak admitted that the overall situation remains difficult.
During a cabinet meeting presided over by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Novak noted that a surge in energy demand during the summer season and unexpected maintenance at oil refineries have impacted the domestic fuel market.
He further explained that the government plans to implement additional measures to secure oil supplies, such as releasing stockpiles and postponing maintenance and inspections at refineries.
Regarding the situation where Ukraine continues to launch intense air raids targeting Russian energy facilities, President Putin claimed, "It is clear that the enemy is trying to strike at the economy, and above all, to create an atmosphere of instability in society, but this is impossible."
Addressing fuel shortages in southern Russia, including the Crimean Peninsula, President Putin dismissed them as temporary issues and ordered his cabinet to make swift decisions to increase supply volumes.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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