An oil refinery in Binzhou in eastern China's Shandong province. Chinese independent refiners have been the main buyers of Iranian crude oil, attracted by what has typically been a steep discount to mainstream barrels. Photograph: CFOTO/Future Publishing/Getty Images

Global diesel supplies are tightening as Russia restricts exports, Middle Eastern refinery disruptions deepen, and record US exports drain inventories. Europe faces growing fuel shortages and rising prices as winter demand approaches.