MOSCOW, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The Russian government is taking all necessary measures to ensure adequate fuel supplies to the domestic market and has developed a comprehensive package of measures to stabilize the situation, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a government meeting, Novak described the current situation of Russia's fuel market as "difficult but controllable."
He said the government is considering introducing a complete ban on diesel fuel exports from Russia as part of efforts to prioritize domestic demand.
Novak said that Russian oil refineries have maximized production capacity, shortened maintenance periods and postponed scheduled repairs to later dates in order to boost fuel output. The Energy Ministry is closely monitoring refinery maintenance schedules and continuously optimizing them, he added.
Novak also said Russian oil companies have significantly increased fuel production and shipments to the country's regions to improve supplies.
Also, the government has prepared legislative amendments aimed at encouraging greater fuel deliveries to the domestic market. The changes are expected to be adopted in the near future, he said.
Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in recent months, including oil refineries in multiple regions. ■