On 12 October 2026, Alexander Novak gave an interview to the Russian state broadcaster Vesti in which he said that fresh supplies of Russian diesel fuel are being sent to global markets, including the United States, to offset the strain caused by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz and a decline in worldwide refining capacity. He framed the move as a way to increase volumes and partially rebalance supply and demand in a complex situation.
In the same interview Novak pointed to rising costs for oil transportation and vessel freight as the main driver behind the recent increase in oil prices. He said that this reflects current global risks, a shortage of vessels, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and military risks. These factors, he argued, have accounted for the bulk of the price rise.
Novak stressed that Russia’s oil refineries have capacity that significantly exceeds current production. This surplus, he explained, allows the country to export additional diesel to world markets without cutting into domestic supplies. The excess capacity is the basis for the ability to send more fuel abroad.
Despite the export push, Novak emphasized that the domestic diesel market remains a top priority.
Despite the export push, Novak emphasized that the domestic diesel market remains a top priority. He said that domestic supply is fully covered, including for agricultural needs and the ongoing “Northern Delivery” initiative. According to him, the country’s refineries are producing enough to meet all internal demand.
Novak noted that the additional Russian diesel already flowing to global markets is contributing to a modest easing of prices. He observed that global diesel fuel markets have adjusted downward by about 5‑6 percent, a figure he cited as evidence that the extra volumes are helping to relieve pressure.
The deputy prime minister described the extra shipments as a means to increase overall volumes and partially balance supply and demand. He said the move is intended to address the current complexity caused by Strait of Hormuz disruptions and a general reduction in global refining capacity stemming from disrupted infrastructure and logistics.
⚡️⚡️⚡️BREAKING: Fuel crisis in occupied Crimea deepens after Ukrainian strikes. Thousands of cars are queued on the Crimean Bridge in both directions, with many reportedly fleeing the peninsula to mainland Russia in search of gasoline. Gas stations have halted civilian sales, with prior rationing at just 20-30 liters per purchase. Long lines, empty pumps, and black-market fuel define daily life. Ukraine's targeted strikes on refineries, depots, fuel trucks, and logistics routes (like the Novorossiya highway and Kerch crossings) have crippled supplies. Russia can't reliably resupply because key routes are destroyed or under constant threat — ferries and the bridge are restricted for fuel tankers for security reasons. Crimea is almost entirely dependent on Russia for fuel and essentials. As an occupied territory with no domestic refining capacity and severed independent logistics, it relies on mainland deliveries via vulnerable corridors. When Russia’s supply lines are hit, civilians suffer immediate shortages of gasoline, power, and goods. And of course, tourist season seem to be ruined and daily life grinding to a halt. The "Russian world" in Crimea looks more like a stranded outpost than a thriving region.
On the same date—12 October 2026—an OPEC meeting was held.
Throughout his comments Novak adopted a neutral tone when discussing market mechanics, while also expressing supportive statements about Russia’s ability to help stabilize supplies.
Based on Novak’s statements, Russia’s domestic diesel market is said to be securely supplied, with excess refinery capacity permitting additional exports. Those exports are already linked to a observed 5‑6 percent dip in global diesel prices, and they are presented as a tool to ease the strain caused by Strait of Hormuz blockages and reduced worldwide refining capacity.