Washington: Russia is set to send its first shipment of 40,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States on Thursday, as both countries move to resume fuel supplies amid tightening global markets.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said additional deliveries would follow an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s proposed supply plan includes 300,000 tonnes initially, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another one million tonnes later.
Russia had restricted diesel exports after Ukrainian drone attacks damaged oil refineries, disrupting domestic production. Moscow lifted the export ban on October 9, allowing suppliers to resume overseas deliveries.
However, the arrangement has drawn criticism from Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that increased Russian fuel sales could provide Moscow with additional revenue to support its ongoing war.
Meanwhile, Europe is facing diesel supply pressures following disruptions to Middle Eastern exports. Reduced supplies have pushed European fuel inventories to their lowest level in 12 years, prompting Nigeria’s Dangote refinery to increase shipments to the region.
Analysts expect the US-Russia agreement to have a limited effect on global fuel prices, citing the relatively small volumes involved, refinery damage and rising shipping costs. Restrictions on Russian fuel imports into the European Union also mean the deal is unlikely to ease Europe’s shortage immediately.
