Russia to send first diesel shipment to US on Thursday amid global supply crunch

Russia will send its first 40,000-tonne diesel shipment to the United States on Thursday, under an agreement with President Donald Trump to resume Russian fuel supplies, Russia's deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. The move comes as global diesel markets face a supply squeeze, while Ukraine has warned that renewed Russian energy exports could help finance Moscow's war effort.

According to Reuters, Novak said further shipments would follow the agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, adding that Moscow would meet US demand within its capabilities. The first cargo is part of a broader supply plan announced by President Trump.

Trump has announced plans for Russia to supply 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel initially, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another 1 million tonnes thereafter. The arrangement is aimed at increasing fuel supplies amid a global diesel shortage and rising prices.

Russia had imposed a ban on diesel exports after Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil refineries disrupted production and caused fuel shortages in the country. On October 9, Moscow lifted the ban, allowing Russian suppliers to resume diesel shipments to international markets.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump pushed for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine targeting attacks on energy infrastructure. The proposed arrangement aimed to halt strikes on oil refineries, power facilities and other energy sites, as attacks on critical infrastructure disrupted fuel supplies and added pressure on energy markets.

Ukraine has opposed easing restrictions on Russian energy exports, arguing that additional revenue from diesel sales could help Moscow finance its war effort. President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the US-Russia arrangement, warning that allowing Russia to expand fuel exports while the war continues could weaken pressure on the Kremlin to end the conflict.

Europe is also facing growing pressure on diesel supplies as disruptions to Middle Eastern exports tighten the market. Reuters reported in September that the disruption had cut Europe's diesel and jet fuel supplies by about a quarter, pushing fuel inventories to a 12-year low.

Nigeria's Dangote refinery has increased exports to Europe to help fill the gap, highlighting the region's growing reliance on alternative suppliers. Reuters reported on October 21 that analysts expect the US-Russia diesel deal to have limited impact on global fuel prices, as the promised supplies may be too small to ease the market shortage.

Analysts also questioned whether Russia could meet the announced export targets given damage to its refineries and rising shipping costs. With EU restrictions limiting direct imports of Russian fuel, the additional supplies are unlikely to provide an immediate solution to Europe's diesel concerns.

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