Russian Diesel Tanker Heads to New York After Putin-Trump Deal: Report
The medium-sized vessel Agioi Fanendes took on 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulfur diesel at Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk on October 22. It is expected to arrive in the United States on November 7, according to LSEG shipping data.
This development comes as a result of an arrangement reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, which reverses part of the restrictions that have kept Russian petroleum products out of Western markets since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
Trump Lifts Curbs as Russia Ramps Up Diesel Exports
The agreement, announced by Trump on October 9, allows for the sale, delivery, and import of diesel fuel, including into the United States, through April 7, 2027. This move has drawn criticism from Ukraine and some U.S. lawmakers, who argue that renewed purchases provide Moscow with revenue despite its ongoing war against Ukraine.
Russian Diesel Exports to Resume Normal Levels by End of Year
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has indicated that the country could restore monthly diesel exports to between 3 million tons and 3.5 million tons by the end of the year, approaching its usual export volume. This comes as Moscow begins relaxing its self-imposed export restrictions, allowing shipments to resume despite earlier efforts to preserve domestic supplies.
Ukrainian Strikes Cripple Russian Refineries
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have repeatedly disrupted fuel production, forcing Moscow to limit exports to protect domestic supplies. The attacks have compounded the impact of refinery maintenance and other operational disruptions, leaving Russia with less diesel available for overseas buyers.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that Russian refinery processing fell to 3.8 million barrels per day in June, its lowest level in more than 20 years and around 30% below the year-earlier level. Diesel production was estimated to have declined by nearly 30% compared with 2025, prompting the government to restrict fuel exports to preserve domestic supplies.
Russian Diesel Exports Down 41% from Previous Year
Russian diesel exports averaged around 345,000 barrels per day so far this year, down 41% from the previous year, according to shipping data cited by Reuters. Before the restrictions, Russia was one of the world’s largest diesel exporters, with monthly shipments of diesel and gasoil substantially higher than recent levels.
The deal has significant implications for global energy markets, as it marks a shift in the dynamics of international trade. The resumption of Russian diesel exports is expected to have a positive impact on global supplies, although some experts warn that the increased availability could lead to price volatility.
Original Article: First Russian diesel tanker heads to New York after Putin-Trump deal: Report — Turkiyetoday