Russian Diesel Ship Heads to US Under Trump-Putin Deal

A tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel is bound for New York. It follows a deal between Trump and Putin.

• Oct. 22: the Agioi Fanendes loaded ultra-low sulfur diesel at Primorsk.
• Nov. 7 is the tanker's expected U.S. arrival date.
• 300,000 metric tons will ship immediately, Trump announced Oct. 9.
• 3 million to 3.5 million tons monthly is Russia's year-end export target.

Why it matters: Russia agreed to end its self-imposed moratorium on diesel exports after talks between Putin and Trump. The move is part of a broader White House push on fuel prices before the midterms.

• Trump waived parts of a recent Russian sanctions law.
• He threatened Europe with a U.S. diesel export ban over emergency reserves.

How 8 sources split on this story

What’s next: Trump said Russia would follow with 500,000 tons in November, then 1 million tons. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said exports should return to usual levels by year-end.

• Other Primorsk cargoes loaded last week have unconfirmed destinations.
• Will Russian diesel imports measurably affect U.S. fuel prices before or after the midterms?
• Which other destinations will receive the Primorsk cargoes signaling Gibraltar, the Atlantic Coast or Port Said?
• How will European governments respond to the threatened U.S. diesel export ban?