Business · Energy & Commodities · 17 hrs ago
Russia to send first diesel shipment to US on Thursday
Russia plans to send its first diesel shipment to the United States on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said.
The tanker is expected to carry 40,000 metric tons, about 300,000 barrels, and further shipments are planned.
The deal was agreed by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month, with Washington temporarily suspending some sanctions on Russia.
Russia has pledged an initial 500,000 metric tons, but has not given a precise schedule for those deliveries.
Trump wants more fuel on the market to help lower diesel prices, but analysts say this shipment may be too small to make a clear difference before the US midterm elections on November 3.
The deal has drawn criticism from US and European lawmakers, who warn that diesel sales could bring money to the Kremlin while Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
Russia says its first diesel tanker bound for the United States will leave port on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the tanker will carry 40,000 metric tons, equivalent to about 300,000 barrels.
The shipment is part of a diesel supply agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Russia has pledged an initial 500,000 tons of diesel, but has not given a precise schedule for those deliveries.
The agreement has drawn criticism from the EU, Ukraine, Germany and some members of the US Congress.
- Who
- Russia is sending the diesel, and the United States is the destination.
- What
- The first Russian diesel tanker is due to depart, carrying 40,000 metric tons.
- When
- Thursday, October 22, 2026.
- Where
- The tanker is sailing to the United States. The Russian port was not stated.
- Why
- The shipment is part of a diesel supply agreement between Putin and Trump, intended to increase fuel supplies, including to the United States.
Supporters of the diesel agreement
Critics of the diesel agreement
Purpose
Supporters of the diesel agreement
Russia and the United States say the arrangement will bring Russian diesel to the US market.
Critics of the diesel agreement
Critics including the EU, Ukraine, Germany and some US lawmakers oppose the deal.
Effect
Supporters of the diesel agreement
Trump is seeking to lower diesel prices, and sees the agreement as a way to keep talks with Putin going.
Critics of the diesel agreement
Analysts say the deal is too limited to have a meaningful effect on prices before the US elections.
Consequences
Supporters of the diesel agreement
Moscow welcomed the agreement.
Critics of the diesel agreement
Critics warn that the deal could strengthen the Kremlin’s finances while Russia continues its war in Ukraine.
Putin and Trump agreed on Russian diesel supplies to the United States.
Novak announced that the first tanker would leave the port the following day.
The first tanker is scheduled to leave for the United States.
- First tanker cargo
- 40,000 metric tons
- Approximate cargo volume
- 300,000 barrels
- Initial Russian pledge
- 500,000 tons of diesel
- Scheduled departure
- Thursday, October 22, 2026
- First destination
- United States
3 sources
What people are saying
The first tanker will leave the port tomorrow, according to plan.
Other shipments will follow.
This tanker will have a loading capacity of 40,000 tons.