Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Russian Fuel Exports Hit New Post-Pandemic Low — Down 13% in August

Russian oil product exports hit a post-pandemic low in August, according to recent tanker tracking data. Seaborne export loadings of refined products, including diesel, fuel oil, and naphtha, averaged 2.09 million barrels per day (b/d), marking a 13% decrease from July and a substantial drop of nearly 700,000 b/d compared to January levels.

This decline comes in the wake of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russia’s refining capacity earlier in the year. Despite Russian refineries largely recovering from these attacks, the export slump persists. The situation was further complicated by a drone attack on the Moscow refinery in September, disrupting operations at a facility crucial for supplying the capital’s fuel needs.

Gasoline exports saw the most dramatic fall, plummeting 40% to 75,000 b/d. This trend is expected to continue following Russia’s ban on gasoline exports from September to December, aimed at controlling domestic prices during peak seasonal demand.

Via S&P Global

Diesel, Russia’s largest fuel export, also experienced a significant decline, dropping 16% to 670,000 b/d, its lowest level since October 2023. Naphtha exports similarly contracted by 100,000 b/d.

Regionally, the most notable shift occurred in exports to China, which fell by 55% to 153,000 b/d. This reduction reflects growing concerns about weak Asian demand and its impact on oil product margins, exacerbated by China’s slowing economic growth.

In contrast to the decline in refined product exports, Russian seaborne crude exports saw a modest increase in August, averaging 3.36 million b/d. This uptick comes despite thin discounts for Russian oil and improved compliance with OPEC+ output cuts.

India, Russia’s top oil buyer, accounted for the largest increase in crude imports, though overall flows remain below June’s near-record levels.


Information for this story was found via S&P Global, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

New Found Gold: The Strategic Maritime Resources Purchase

Amex Exploration: Revised Perron PEA Has INSANE Economics

Aris Mining: The Multi Billion Dollar Soto Norte PFS

Recommended

Canadian Copper Secures $8 Million Lead Order From Ocean Partners As Part Of Larger Funding Round

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Related News

Russian Crude Oil Exports See Significant Drop Toward End of June

Russian crude oil exports by sea experienced a substantial decline of up to 980,000 barrels...

Friday, June 30, 2023, 04:28:00 PM

Oil-Out War: Biden Threatens Sanctions On Russian Oil Buyers Who Ignore Price Cap, Putin Warns Total Energy Export Halt

The weaponization of energy exports is on full display as the US warns of imposing...

Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 12:14:00 PM

EU Members Conditionally Approve $60 Price Cap on Russian Seaborne Crude

Brussels tentatively agreed to set the long-discussed price cap on Russian crude at $60 per...

Thursday, December 1, 2022, 10:52:20 AM

Russia Dramatically Increases Gold Purchases As Oil and Gas Revenue Surges

The Russian Finance Ministry has announced a substantial increase in its gold purchases starting September...

Saturday, September 7, 2024, 07:33:00 AM

Europe Weighing Reluctant Return To Coal As Russia Squeezes Oil Supply

Some European countries are planning a return to coal in an effort to avoid a...

Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 04:36:00 PM