A significant shift has occurred in the energy sector: following an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian diesel is being sent to America for the first time. The Kremlin announced on Friday that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel fuel departed for the US under the new import agreement.
This incident took place two weeks after Donald Trump announced the agreement with Vladimir Putin, despite Russia's military actions against Ukraine. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that 'the first oil tanker has gone to clients, and regular supplies will continue.'
According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak stated earlier this week that the first batch would consist of 40,000 tons of diesel fuel. The maritime company 'Kepler' is tracking the vessel, which, according to signals, is heading to New York and is expected to arrive there by November 7.
This first shipment of Russian diesel arriving in the US after July 2023 is significant because America previously imposed tariffs on countries, including India, that purchased crude oil from Russia. It is anticipated that this diesel will help ease the situation in the American energy market, where rising fuel prices caused tension for Trump.
Previously, the US had imposed sanctions on Russia for the attack on Ukraine. However, Trump concluded this deal with Russia to stabilize fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections. The 40,000-ton diesel shipment contains about 300,000 barrels, which accounts for approximately 7% of the daily consumption in the US economy, estimated at 4 million barrels.
Energy policy experts believe that this import agreement, according to Trump, will lead to millions of tons of Russian diesel entering the US in the coming months, but no significant drop in fuel prices should be expected.
Russian diesel production was under pressure due to prolonged drone attacks conducted by Ukraine on Russian oil refineries, which led to fuel shortages; however, the situation has begun to improve. Last month, Trump called for an end to these attacks from Kyiv.
The US decision to purchase diesel is causing concern and disappointment in Ukraine. Ukraine has appealed to other states to strengthen sanctions against Russia to reduce its revenue and force it to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Trump's decision a 'weak decision made by strong partners.' This deal represented a sudden change in policy, occurring just a few weeks after Trump signed a law on a broad package of restrictions that included imposing tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, but he subsequently repealed those measures.