Russia says its diesel exports may exceed volumes announced by Trump

MOSCOW, October 12 - Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on Monday that Russia could surpass the diesel export volumes initially announced by US President Donald Trump under a deal with Moscow. Trump unveiled the agreement on Friday, allowing Russia to supply diesel to global markets while US sanctions were temporarily lifted to reduce revenue for Moscow's war efforts.

Novak, who serves as President Vladimir Putin's chief oil advisor, said Russia has the capacity to boost diesel fuel exports. By year-end, exports could reach 3.0-3.5 million metric tons monthly, returning to pre-crisis levels. Russian diesel exports plummeted due to Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and self-imposed overseas sales restrictions.

Before Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries in 2024-2025, Russian diesel exports averaged over 3 million metric tons per month. Despite the export ban, Moscow has continued supplying diesel to Central Asian countries through government deals. Last month, Russian diesel exports to Central Asia totaled 427,000 metric tons.

Soaring US diesel prices impact US truckers and farmers, a concern for voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump's emissaries shared the Russian diesel deal with Ukrainian officials last Friday, aiming to re-engage Russia in peace talks after previous attempts failed. The deal has faced criticism from US lawmakers who argue it provides Russia with funds to continue the war without concessions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy denounced the deal as a departure from Western policy to isolate Russia's economy, stating that Russian strikes against six energy targets during recent airstrikes showed no interest in an energy ceasefire. Novak also said the deal helps balance global supply and demand, resulting in a 5-6% drop in diesel prices.

Novak dismissed US estimates of $250 billion in Russian resources sold to Europe, claiming the figure is significantly lower at $320.7 billion from 2022 to present. Trump announced that Russia would supply over 300,000 metric tons of diesel to US and global markets immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons shortly after.