Media: Russia bans jet fuel exports after record Ukrainian refinery attacks

Russia has banned jet fuel exports through the end of November after a record wave of Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil infrastructure pushed refinery processing to its lowest level in more than 16 years and raised concerns over domestic fuel supplies.

The export ban, announced on June 1, is aimed at stabilising the domestic fuel market as summer travel demand increases. The move follows at least 16 Ukrainian attacks on Russian fuel-production facilities in May, according to data compiled by Bloomberg from public statements by both sides.

Ukraine targeted eight of Russia's ten largest refineries during the month, intensifying a campaign designed to weaken Moscow's energy revenues and disrupt fuel production. Several facilities, including the YANOS refinery and plants operated by Lukoil, were struck multiple times, complicating repair efforts and reducing processing capacity.

Russian refinery throughput is estimated to have averaged 4.58 million barrels per day in May, down around 13% from a year earlier and the lowest level since October 2009, according to energy analytics firm OilX.

Industry analysts say Ukraine has shifted tactics by increasingly targeting secondary refining units, which are more complex and expensive to repair than primary processing equipment. Western sanctions have further complicated access to replacement components, potentially prolonging outages.

The attacks come as global energy markets remain focused on disruptions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Reduced Russian refining activity has prompted Moscow to increase crude oil exports in recent weeks, helping offset supply losses for some buyers affected by regional tensions.

Russia exported an average of about 30,000 barrels per day of jet fuel last year, accounting for less than 2% of global supplies. Exports averaged 28,000 barrels per day during the first four months of 2026, with Türkiye the largest buyer.

While Russian authorities insist there is currently no risk of nationwide fuel shortages, signs of tightening supply have emerged. Premium petrol volumes offered on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange have fallen sharply compared with a year earlier, while wholesale prices have risen by more than 20%.

In total, at least 30 strikes on Russian oil assets were recorded in May, marking the highest monthly tally since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.