President Donald Trump announced Friday that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reuters reported that the first tranche is equal to about 2.25 million barrels.
Trump said another 500,000 tons would follow in November, then 1 million tons “immediately thereafter.” He said even more could follow based on the condition of Russian refineries, which have been damaged by Ukrainian attacks.
The Treasury Department issued a license allowing Russian diesel imports through April 7, 2027. That temporarily eases U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel that were intended to reduce Moscow’s revenue during its war in Ukraine.
A small release into a tight market
The announcement landed as U.S. diesel prices hovered near records. Reuters put the national average at $6.28 a gallon on Thursday and reported that U.S. diesel futures fell almost 5% after the deal was announced.
Energy analysts were skeptical that the Russian supply would translate into broad or durable relief. The Associated Press reported that shifting Russian diesel to U.S. buyers would largely redirect existing supply from other customers rather than expand the global pool. Disruptions to Middle Eastern refining and shipping also continue to constrain supply.
Reuters noted that the United States exports roughly 1.5 million barrels of diesel per day, while the announced Russian supply is intended for both U.S. and global markets. Analysts said the shipments could take some pressure off a tight market without materially lowering prices across the United States or Europe.
Opposition grows in Congress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the sanctions relief as a benefit to Putin, while some U.S. lawmakers argued it would restore revenue to Russia during the war.
Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania said he would introduce the “Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act” to block Russian oil purchases and try to force a House vote through a discharge petition. Axios reported that retiring Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska had already agreed to sign it.
A discharge petition needs 218 signatures to bring legislation to the floor without approval from House leadership. The effort faces a short calendar: the House is not scheduled to vote again until after the Nov. 3 midterm election, and any bill would still need Senate approval and could face a presidential veto.
