The first shipment of Russian diesel destined for the United States under a new energy agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is heading towards New York, marking a significant shift in energy trade between the two countries.
According to Reuters, shipping data from LSEG shows that the Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes loaded approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of ultra-low-sulphur diesel at Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk on October 22. The vessel is expected to arrive in the United States on November 7.
The buyer and seller involved in the transaction have not been publicly identified. If delivered as planned, the cargo would mark the first Russian petroleum product shipment to the US since former President Joe Biden banned imports of Russian oil and petroleum products in 2022 following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Deal Aims to Ease Rising Fuel Prices
Trump announced the agreement on October 9 as his administration sought to increase diesel supplies and bring down fuel prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections.
Under the announced arrangement, Russia was expected to supply an initial 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel to the United States and international markets, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and a further one million tonnes thereafter.
The agreement also involves Moscow lifting its self-imposed diesel export restrictions, which were introduced to address domestic shortages following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries.
The Trump administration has also waived parts of new Russia-related sanctions legislation as part of its efforts to facilitate fuel supplies. The move has drawn criticism from Ukraine and other critics concerned about the economic benefits Russia could receive.
Moscow Signals More Shipments
Russian officials have indicated that additional deliveries could follow as companies work through supply contracts and payment arrangements. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that a first tanker had departed for buyers, although he did not specify its destination.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has said the country aims to restore diesel exports to between three million and 3.5 million tonnes per month by the end of 2026, subject to production capacity and market conditions.
However, the scale of the agreement and its impact on US fuel prices remain uncertain. The initial shipment is relatively small compared with America’s overall diesel demand, meaning its immediate effect on prices is likely to be limited.
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