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21 Sep 2023

Oil, diesel crack sread soar after Russia bans diesel, gasoline exports

With Diesel prices already soaring, recently sending the diesel crack to 2023 highs and assuring that refiners have another blowout quarter, Russia just handed a gift to the Exxons of the world when it "temporarily banned" exports of the diesel in a bid to stabilize domestic supplies, adding pressure on already tight global fuel markets. “Temporary restrictions will help saturate the fuel market, that in turn will reduce prices for consumers” in Russia, the government’s press office said on its website. The "temporary" ban, which also applies to gasoline, comes into force today, Sept. 21, and doesn’t have the final date, according to the government decree, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Source: www.zerohedge.com, Bloomberg

15 Aug 2023

Russia’s central bank raises its key interest rate to 12% from 8.5% at an emergency meeting called after the Ruble crashed

The Ruble is recovering somewhat after its collapse, and now costs more than a penny again. Trades at 98 per Dollar. Source: HolgerZ, Bloomberg

14 Aug 2023

The clearest signal that Russia is losing this war?

The Russian ruble slid past 100 to the U.S. dollar on Monday, nearing a 17-month low as President Vladimir Putin’s economic advisor blamed loose #monetarypolicy for the rapid depreciation. The ruble has lost around 27% against the greenback since the turn of the year. It also has lost 23% vs Chinese Yuan, which Russia is embracing for trade as it seeks to ditch Western currencies. The Bank of Russia has blamed the country’s shrinking balance of trade, as Russia’s current account surplus fell 85% year on year from January to July. This slide that threatens to stoke inflation in an economy that has been kneecapped by Western sanctions. Source: HolgerZ, Bloomberg, DJ, CNBC

7 Aug 2023

A map of African countries that have signed military agreements with Russia.

Source: Jackson Hinkle, The Cradle

18 Jul 2023

Corn and Wheat are top crops shipped under the deal

Russia ended the agreement that ensured the safe passage of almost 33 million tons of crop exports almost a year into its run, heightening uncertainty over global food supplies. Source: Bloomberg

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