Russia will send a diesel cargo to the United States on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on Wednesday. He linked the shipment to an understanding between Moscow and Washington, led by President Donald Trump.
The tanker will carry 40,000 tonnes of fuel. Novak did not say which American port would receive it.
Export ban lifted as refinery output suffers
Russia lifted its ban on diesel exports on October 9. Moscow had introduced the restriction to ease domestic shortages, which were worsened by Ukrainian-led drone strikes that cut production capacity.
Also read: Russia says US diesel deal deliveries take 15-20 days · Trump administration offers to loan heating oil reserve
The shipment comes despite setbacks to Russia’s diesel output. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence said earlier this month that drone attacks had knocked out at least half of Russia’s oil refining capacity, forcing cuts at the country’s main diesel refineries.
Officials promise further deliveries to America
Novak told the RIA Novosti news agency that more shipments were coming. “Additional shipments will follow, of course,” he said, adding that Russia would meet US needs within its capabilities.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, said several tankers were being prepared and would leave one after another. He added that the financial arrangements still needed to be settled, and that Russia could also supply fertilisers in “large quantities”.
Trump had earlier said Moscow would export 300,000 tonnes, or 2.25 million barrels, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes “immediately thereafter”.
US pump prices ease before midterm vote
American consumers have faced high petrol station prices, especially for diesel, an issue that matters ahead of midterm elections in less than two weeks. The American Automobile Association (AAA) put the average diesel price at $6.31 a gallon ($1.70 per litre).
Prices remain well above $6 but are falling. A month ago, the average stood at $6.51.
