Sanctions must be removed before international markets can be saturated with fuel again, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. This demand comes as shipments of diesel from Russia through the Black Sea have hit zero for the first time on record, according to data seen Sept. 30. Moscow is currently approving a document to keep the export ban for producers active through October 31, while restrictions for non-producers continue until January 31, 2027. Peskov noted that a comprehensive solution, including guaranteed maritime safety in the Black Sea, is required to resume outflows.

The restrictions follow Ukrainian drone strikes this month on the Kapotnya and Perm refineries, which produce about 50% of Russia's diesel. Global supply has tightened as Russia and the Middle East saw a combined diesel loss of 1.1 million bpd on average between March and August 2026, according to estimates from Vortexa, Kpler, and Energy Aspects. Russian supply specifically fell by 615,000 bpd year on year during July and August, contributing to UK diesel prices hitting the highest price in its history.