Russia prepares to import diesel to save its harvest

Russia’s ban on diesel exports has failed to resolve the fuel crisis in the agricultural sector. After restricting exports and facing growing shortages on the domestic market, the government is preparing its next step — subsidizing diesel imports. Importers will be compensated for the gap between global and domestic prices to ensure farmers have enough fuel during the peak of the harvesting campaign.

The fuel shortage is most severe in the country’s southern grain-producing regions, where harvesting is underway. In Krasnodar and Stavropol territories, Rostov region, and other agricultural areas, farmers face diesel purchase limits of just 100–200 liters per customer, while a single combine harvester requires around 300 liters per shift. As a result, machinery is standing idle, forcing farms to search for fuel in other regions.

Despite government assurances that farmers will receive priority fuel supplies, the harvest campaign was still facing significant difficulties by mid-July. Diesel shortages, rising transportation costs, and logistical disruptions are slowing fieldwork, while analysts warn that the prolonged fuel crisis could reduce grain quality, lead to crop losses, and cut Russian wheat exports.

The decision to subsidize diesel imports indicates that domestic fuel supplies are no longer sufficient to support the agricultural sector. The outcome of the harvest will increasingly depend on how quickly Russia can secure imported diesel and offset the impact of damage to its oil refining infrastructure.

Tags: Russia, harvesting, fuel