Russia introduced a ban on diesel exports from July 8 to July 31 that covers producers and will coincide with the start of fuel imports. The policy follows Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries that produced regional shortages and prompted statements from Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. June seaborne diesel and gasoil exports totaled 1.8 million metric tons, down 39 percent month-over-month and 46 percent year-over-year.