Russia boosts Baltic diesel exports by 22% in March

08:47; 06 April 2026 year

### Russian Diesel Exports Surge 34% Year-on-Year Amid Middle East Disruptions Russian diesel exports from Baltic ports surged by 22% in March compared to February and by 34% year-on-year, reaching a total volume of 1.78 million tons, according to data from the Center for Price Indices (CCI) cited by [RBC](https://www.rbc.ru/business/06/04/2026/69cfd52b9a7947d08f703e24). Market analysts attribute the sharp increase in Russian diesel exports to the situation in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Fears of fuel shortages have prompted buyers to purchase Russian supplies, as commercial oil product inventories in Fujairah port — a key logistics hub in the United Arab Emirates — dropped by 36% in March. Market participants note that demand for oil products is currently at its highest level since 2022. With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Europe and South Asia are experiencing a diesel shortage. Wholesale diesel prices in Frankfurt have neared the record highs seen in May 2022. The situation has been further helped by the U.S. decision to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil, which has expanded the pool of buyers and reduced the discount on Russian diesel to a minimum. However, experts do not expect this trend to last long-term.

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