Moscow: First Diesel Shipment to America Tomorrow

The Vedomosti newspaper quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying that Moscow would send its first diesel tanker to the United States on Thursday, following an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump.

On October 9, Russia lifted a ban on its diesel exports to alleviate a domestic shortage caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, after reaching an agreement with Trump to supply diesel to global markets.

Reports citing Novak on Wednesday stated that a tanker would carry 40,000 tons of fuel and that the paperwork related to the shipment was nearing completion. The port of delivery was not specified.

Russian state media quoted Novak as saying, “There will be additional shipments, of course. The two leaders have reached agreements. We will meet the United States’ needs, within our capabilities.”

Trump said Russia would immediately export 300,000 tons, or 2.25 million barrels, followed by 500,000 tons in November and one million tons “shortly thereafter.”

The United States exports approximately 1.5 million barrels of diesel per day.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday, after the diesel export deal between the United States and Russia led to a sharp deterioration in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

During talks in St. Petersburg, Witkoff thanked Putin for lifting export restrictions. Putin referenced the agreement, noting that global diesel prices had fallen by between five and six percent following its conclusion.

Watkoff, in remarks broadcast on television, said, “This is an example of our cooperation, and I would like to thank you for that.”