The Zhitong Finance App learned that Russian diesel exports continued to plummet in the weeks after drones attacked Russian refineries. According to data from analytical company Kpler, in the 10 days ending April 13, the average daily shipment volume was 740,000 barrels. Compared to the average for 2019 to 2023, this figure is about 25% lower.
Traders are closely monitoring developments in Russian fuel supply. As Russia's refining rate recently hovered near an 11-month low, the country may have to shift crude oil that its factories cannot process to export markets.
Russian diesel exports fall
Although crude oil exports rose at the same time, this increase was limited. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin warned on April 9 that Ukraine's recent attack on a Russian refinery could affect global energy markets and urged the country to focus on military targets.
The most recent drone attack on a Russian refinery occurred on April 2, but any damage to the plant would take some time to affect export traffic.