World · North America · 1 day ago
Bessent says US law allows diesel imports from Russia
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration has legal authority to import diesel from Russia.
He said neither existing sanctions laws nor a bill proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham blocks those imports.
The comments followed a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on October 9, which included discussion of petroleum product supplies.
Russia has said it is ready to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and other markets.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia plans to offer 300,000 tons of diesel in October, 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons in December.
He said monthly supplies could later rise to 3 million tons.
The US has issued a general license allowing Russian diesel supplies to global markets until April 7, 2027.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said US law allows the administration to import diesel fuel from Russia.
He said no congressional anti-Russian sanctions bills prohibit the imports.
Russia is ready to supply 300,000 tons of diesel in October, rising to 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons in December, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
The US administration issued a general license authorizing Russian diesel supplies to the global market until April 7, 2027.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed petroleum product supplies in a phone call on October 9.
- Who
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the imports are legally allowed.
- What
- The US administration has legal authority to import diesel fuel from Russia, Bessent said.
- When
- Bessent made the statement on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Bessent said congressional anti-Russian sanctions bills do not prohibit the imports.
Scott Bessent
Members of Congress who say the bills prohibit imports
Legal authority
Scott Bessent
Bessent said the US administration has legal authority to import Russian diesel.
Members of Congress who say the bills prohibit imports
Bessent said those who claim congressional sanctions bills prohibit the imports are wrong.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a phone call that included discussion of petroleum product supplies.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said US law allows the administration to import diesel from Russia.
- Diesel available in October
- 300,000 tons
- Planned November supply
- 500,000 tons
- Planned December supply
- 1 million tons
- US general license ends
- April 7, 2027
What people are saying
So, you know, anyone in Congress who says whether it's an old bill or the current Lindsey Graham bill prohibits us from doing it is wrong
Sources
Related news
Storms fueled by Hurricane Simon threaten six US states
Storm Rachel batters Southern California homes and floods Las Vegas
Eight killed by gunman in Erie, Pennsylvania; shooter dies by suicide
Isaias leaves four dead as Florida and Alabama clean up
Trump says Russia will supply diesel as fuel prices surge
Christa Pike returns to prison after surviving failed Tennessee execution
US sanctions International Criminal Court after former judge wins Nobel Peace Prize
Nine dead after shooting in Erie, Pennsylvania
Woman charged after Halifax hit-and-run and police chase
Police investigate assaults at anti-Israel protests in Toronto and Montreal
US prosecutor says Chinese espionage is widespread
