Sanctioned Russian Diesel Tankers Head to US
One tanker sanctioned by the United States and another sanctioned by the European Union are among three vessels signaling plans to deliver Russian diesel to U.S. ports next month.
The shipments, totaling approximately 140,000 metric tons, are the first authorized under President Donald Trump’s agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to temporarily exempt Russian diesel from sanctions, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.
Deal Announced Amid Soaring Fuel Prices
The deal, announced Oct. 9, is intended to ease soaring American fuel prices ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, although the tankers are not expected to arrive until after voters go to the polls. Diesel prices have climbed to an average of approximately $6.35 per gallon nationally, compared with $3.66 a year ago, amid the war with Iran and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries.
Tanker Details Emerge
The first vessel, the Greek-owned Agioi Fanendes, is scheduled to arrive in New York on Nov. 7 carrying approximately 40,000 metric tons of diesel. Two other tankers face additional scrutiny because of international sanctions. The Russian tanker Talisman, sanctioned by the U.S., United Kingdom and EU, is expected to arrive on the East Coast on Nov. 9. The Hong Kong-owned Leruo, which faces sanctions from Britain, the EU and Canada, is scheduled to reach the Atlantic coast Nov. 11.
Sanctions Criticized
However, the arrangement has drawn bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., joined senior Democrats Monday in warning American businesses that importing Russian diesel could expose them to criminal or civil liability. “Any importation of Russian diesel into the US raises significant legal questions,” the lawmakers wrote to banking, shipping and energy executives.
Legal Authority Questioned
But sanctions attorney Jeremy Paner told the Financial Times that Trump has the legal authority to issue the temporary import license. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized the agreement as a “weak decision,” arguing that easing sanctions benefits Moscow during its continuing war against Ukraine.
Administration Presses Ahead
Despite the controversy, the administration is pressing ahead with efforts to increase fuel supplies and reduce costs for American families and businesses.
Original Article: Sanctioned Russian Diesel Tankers Head to US — Yahoo