Russia to send first diesel shipment to US on Thursday

Russia announced that it will send its first shipment of diesel fuel to the United States on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced. The vessel will carry 40,000 metric tonnes of the fuel, with additional shipments planned. The port of departure and arrival remain undisclosed. Russia had previously imposed a self-imposed ban on diesel exports in October, following attacks by Ukrainian drones on refineries.

The ban was lifted after Russia entered into an agreement with US President Donald Trump to supply diesel to global markets. Novak stated that the paperwork for the fuel supply is almost finalized. Further shipments are anticipated, as both leaders agreed to meet the US needs to the best of their abilities. According to RIA news agency, Novak quoted Trump as claiming Russia would initially export 300,000 metric tons of diesel, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons immediately after that.

The US consumes around 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday, following the diesel export deal that strained relations between the US and Ukraine. During their talks in St Petersburg, Witkoff expressed gratitude to Putin for lifting the export restrictions. Putin also mentioned the agreement, noting that diesel prices fell after it came into effect.