Ukraine’s intensifying drone attacks on Russian oil refineries are disrupting fuel production and adding pressure to global diesel markets, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Russia’s refinery throughput fell to 3.8 million barrels a day in June, around 30% below the same month last year and its lowest level in more than two decades. Gasoline output was down 20%, while diesel production fell by almost 30%.
The IEA says Ukrainian strikes have increasingly targeted complex refinery units used to produce fuels including diesel, petrol and jet fuel. Damage to these facilities can take several months to repair, with Western sanctions also limiting access to some replacement equipment.
Russia has responded by restricting fuel exports and relaxing fuel-quality requirements to protect domestic supplies. Fuel shortages were reported across 92% of Russian regions by the end of June, with some areas introducing rationing.
The disruption is also affecting international markets. Global seaborne diesel exports fell 10% year-on-year during the first eight months of 2026.
The IEA expects Russian refinery throughput to average around four million barrels a day for the remainder of 2026 and through 2027, warning global diesel markets could remain under pressure for months.
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