Trump announces Russian diesel imports in policy shift
US President Donald Trump said Russia will immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, with further shipments scheduled for November and beyond. The deal is a sharp reversal of Washington's sanctions pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war and is intended to reduce fuel costs before the US midterm elections. It also casts uncertainty over whether additional sanctions on Russia will be imposed this month.
Trump said the arrangement followed a call with Putin that had been expected to focus on a suspected plague case in Russia. The announced volumes include more than 300,000 tonnes immediately, 500,000 tonnes in November, 1 million tonnes soon after, and another 3 million tonnes shortly thereafter.
The Treasury issued a temporary license permitting Russian diesel into global markets. The US has not bought Russian oil or gas since 2022, when the Biden administration prohibited such imports. Diesel averaged $6.23 a gallon Friday, down from a record $6.52 on Sept. 22.
The diesel arrangement could ease pump and operating costs for US drivers, farmers, ranchers and truckers if the promised volumes arrive as stated. It may also affect global fuel markets and the credibility of sanctions policy, potentially influencing how allies and energy traders respond. Because payment, delivery timing and possible sanctions remain unclear, the practical impact on households and businesses may be uneven and delayed.