The volume of crude oil processed at Russian refineries climbed in late October following the cessation of Ukrainian drone strikes against the nation’s energy infrastructure. Three industry sources told Reuters that processing levels in the second half of the month grew by 25% compared to the start of October, ending a period of weekly attacks that had prompted Moscow to ban the export of diesel, gasoline and jet fuel.
The recovery follows a temporary suspension of strikes by Kyiv after requests from Washington and other partners. The pause comes as the US seeks to revive peace talks and secure a diesel supply deal with Russia to lower global fuel prices before the US midterms, a demand repeatedly made by Donald Trump.