Russia to Ship Diesel to the US for the First Time This Thursday

Russia is set to send a tanker carrying diesel to the United States for the first time. The vessel, loaded with 40,000 metric tons of diesel, is scheduled to depart for the US this Thursday (October 22). Moscow has taken this initiative following an agreement reached with US President Donald Trump.

This information was reported by the news agency Reuters, citing the Russian media outlet Vedomosti. On Wednesday, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that the finalization of the necessary documentation for the diesel shipment is nearing completion. However, he did not specify which port the fuel tanker would depart from.

Novak indicated that further shipments are planned for the future, noting that an agreement to this effect was reached between the leaders of the two nations. Russia intends to meet US demand to the best of its capacity.

Previously, Trump had stated that Russia would immediately export 300,000 metric tons—equivalent to 2.25 million barrels—of diesel. This is to be followed by a shipment of 500,000 tons in November, with an additional 1 million tons to follow shortly thereafter.

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

Why Russia Lifted the Ban on Diesel Exports

On October 9, Russia had imposed a ban on diesel exports following fuel shortages within the country, which were caused by damage to Russian oil refineries from Ukrainian drone strikes. The export restrictions were initially implemented to manage that situation.

However, following the agreement with Trump, Moscow decided to lift the ban with the aim of increasing the global supply of diesel.

Discussion on Diesel Supply During Meeting with Putin

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, Russia. During the meeting, Witkoff thanked Putin for lifting the ban on diesel exports.

In televised remarks, Witkoff described the move as an example of the two nations working together, for which he expressed his gratitude to Putin.

Putin noted that, following the agreement between the two countries, the global price of diesel has fallen by 5 to 6 percent. He also mentioned that the first few Russian tankers carrying diesel are set to begin their journeys within the next two to three days.

Putin added that preparations are underway to supply fuel via several vessels, with tankers to be dispatched one after another. However, he noted that the necessary financial arrangements must be secured. Furthermore, he stated that Russia possesses the capacity to supply significant quantities of fertilizer to the U.S. market.

Impact on U.S.-Ukraine Relations

According to a Reuters report, this agreement between Russia and the United States regarding diesel supplies has led to a notable deterioration in relations between Washington and Kyiv. Observers will now be watching closely to see what impact this new cooperation—centered on energy trade—will have on international politics and the global energy market.