Russia’s diesel export ban deals fresh blow to strained energy market

The central Oryol region was the first to introduce the license plate-based rationing scheme last month to cope with the growing fuel crunch.

Russia’s Siberian government officials are telling businesses to shift to remote work when possible and limit energy consumption, according to local media reports.

Ukraine’s targeting of Russia’s major oil refineries has sparked a nationwide fuel shortage, causing fights and mile-long queues outside stations.

As fuel has run short and drivers are queuing to fill their vehicles, Cossacks, who have in recent years been used to back up police, have helped to maintain public order at some filling stations.