Russia: No More Exports of Jet Fuel Through November

Russia is grounding its jet fuel exports for the very first time. On Monday, Moscow imposed a ban on jet fuel shipments abroad through Nov. 30, a move it says is meant to steady supplies at home after Ukrainian attacks on refineries cut output and triggered local gasoline shortages, reports the Moscow Times. Exports covered by existing intergovernmental deals are exempt. Officials insist there's no domestic jet fuel shortfall and frame the step as protection for Russian airlines.

Reuters notes that Russia typically moves its jet fuel by rail to countries in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The country is already blocking gasoline exports until at least July 31, yet stations in annexed Crimea have started rationing, per the Times. Bloomberg previously reported that refinery runs have dropped to their lowest level since 2009, as Ukrainian strikes have disrupted plants responsible for roughly 25% of Russia's refining capacity. Britain recently relaxed some curbs on Russian jet fuel to shield its own consumers.