World · Europe · 12 hrs ago
Trump announces deal for Russian diesel as US faces high fuel prices
Donald Trump has announced a deal for Russia to supply diesel to the United States and the global market.
The move comes as fuel prices rise because of the war in the Middle East, weeks before US midterm elections.
Trump’s plan includes lifting US sanctions on Russian oil and fuel exports and on buyers of Russian energy.
Russia has pledged an initial 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by more deliveries, but its exports are currently restricted until at least October 31.
Ukraine’s attacks have damaged Russian refineries, and estimates say 60 per cent of Russia’s refining capacity may be offline.
The promised initial supply would cover about 14 hours of US diesel demand, while the country produces more diesel and other distillates than it consumes.
The deal’s legality is also in question because a 2022 law requires the president to consult Congress 90 days before lifting the import ban on Russian energy products.
Donald Trump announced a deal for Russia to supply diesel to the United States and the global market.
The deal pledges 300,000 tonnes immediately, 500,000 tonnes next month and a further 1 million tonnes thereafter.
The announcement comes as US petrol and diesel prices have risen amid the war in the Middle East.
A senior business columnist at the SMH argues Russia may not have enough diesel to make a material difference to global prices.
The article says the deal may also face a legal obstacle under a 2022 US law requiring consultation with Congress before Russian energy import restrictions can be lifted.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are associated with the deal.
- What
- Russia pledged to supply diesel to the United States and the global market.
- When
- Trump announced the deal last Friday, before the article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The pledged diesel is for the United States and the global market.
- Why
- Trump is seeking to reduce fuel prices that have risen amid the war in the Middle East.
Trump and the deal's proponents
SMH columnist
Diesel supply
Trump and the deal's proponents
The deal pledges Russian diesel for the United States and the global market.
SMH columnist
Russia may lack enough diesel to provide volumes that materially affect global prices.
Effect on prices
Trump and the deal's proponents
The deal is presented as a solution to rising petrol and diesel prices.
SMH columnist
The columnist argues the deal will almost certainly be ineffective.
Russia will supply the US and the global market with diesel that Russia may not have and America doesn’t need.
America doesn’t have a diesel supply issue.
Russia banned diesel exports after Ukraine began targeting its refineries.
Trump signed sanctions on buyers of Russian energy, according to the article.
Trump announced the deal for Russia to supply diesel to the United States and the global market.
The SMH article was published.
- Immediate pledge
- 300,000 tonnes of diesel
- Next-month pledge
- 500,000 tonnes of diesel
- Further pledge
- 1 million tonnes of diesel thereafter
- Russian export ban
- Extended until at least October 31
- US diesel and other distillates production
- More than 5.2 million barrels a day
Sources
Related news
Ukrainian strikes on three Yandex data centers disrupt services across Russia
14-year-old pupil detained after teachers shot at school in southern France
Fire destroys Paris’s oldest covered food market
EU adds nearly 1,600 people and companies to Russia sanctions list
UK prime minister says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
Zelensky says Russian strikes violated Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire
Pope Leo XIV to have surgery to remove an early-detected lung nodule
17-year-old dies after electric scooter fall in Málaga tunnel
NATO commander outlines response to a possible Russian attack
Trump announces energy ceasefire, but Ukraine says it was not consulted
Man accused of attacking officers during tram check near Swiss border
