Seaborne Russian refined product exports fell to a daily average of about
979,000 b/d in the first 10 days of October, based on calculations from Vortexa.
Diesel and gasoil exports were down about 11% versus September’s daily average;
naphtha fell about 4%. The Russian government has eased a diesel export ban, so
volumes could recover later this month. An agreement between Trump and Putin to
release Russian fuel to global markets took effect on Oct. 11, but contracts
must still be finalised, so Russian diesel shipments to the US may take another
two to three weeks. Earlier Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries prompted the
export curbs to protect domestic supply; Zelenskiy’s pledge to resume attacks on
Russian refining facilities poses an upside risk to further export disruption.
Russia said it plans to continue importing gasoline at least through year-end.
