London CNN —Russia’s decision to ban diesel exports to most countries could not have come at a worse time for Europe. But the EU still needs a steady flow of Russian diesel to global markets to keep prices stable. The Russian government announced the curbs — which also apply to gasoline — Thursday, saying they were aimed at stabilizing domestic fuel prices. Diesel is Europe’s economic workhorse, powering the majority of vans and trucks ferrying goods and raw materials round the continent. Before Europe imposed its import ban, Russia supplied 40% of the country’s diesel.

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