Russia's oil refining volumes down 14% y/y in January-September, sources say

Oct 2 (Reuters) - Russia's oil refineries reduced oil processing volumes by 14% in the first nine months of the year from the same period of 2025 amid Ukrainian drone attacks, according to calculations by two industry sources.

Ukraine has continued attacks on Russia's oil refineries, aiming to undermine Moscow's war efforts.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the strikes have cost Russia's economy 1% of gross domestic product.

According to the sources, Russia's January to September refining throughput fell to some 170 million metric tons, from 197 million tons a year earlier.

The drop has triggered fuel shortages across Russia and forced authorities to restrict exports of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel.

Global fuel shortages and sharp price increases have been in focus, especially in the United States, where diesel prices have shot to record highs above $6.50 a gallon as the wars in Iran and Ukraine constrain deliveries of fuel, a political risk for US President Donald Trump ahead of midterm elections.

Russia said on Friday it would consider a partial lifting of diesel export restrictions in case of overproduction, raising the prospect of a possible reprieve for global fuel markets strained by war and supply shortages.