Trump authorizes limited Russian diesel sales amid bipartisan criticism
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The White House has temporarily lifted restrictions on Russian diesel imports, citing potential price relief for consumers, while several senators and House members call for the decision to be reversed.
The administration announced a temporary authorization for transactions involving Russian-origin diesel, allowing up to 300,000 metric tons to enter the global market in October, with additional shipments planned through early 2027. President Donald Trump said the move is intended to increase supply and help lower diesel prices worldwide.
Six Republican senators and six Democratic senators sent a bipartisan letter urging the president to rescind the authorization, arguing that the volume of diesel would have a negligible effect on U.S. prices while providing revenue to Russia. A separate group of 22 House members also called for the revocation of the license and full implementation of a new sanctions law targeting Russian officials and entities.
Energy analysts noted that Russia’s diesel exports have already declined sharply, from about 3 million tons per month in April to roughly 325,000 tons in September, limiting the potential impact on global markets. One analyst said the amount of diesel Russia could supply would be "a drop in the bucket" compared with worldwide demand.
Critics of the policy, including a deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argued that any economic incentive should be part of a reciprocal arrangement in which both Russia and Ukraine cease attacks on each other's energy infrastructure. They warned that offering benefits unilaterally could embolden Moscow to maintain its current military posture.
The White House maintains that the decision serves two purposes: adding fuel supply to the market and demonstrating to Moscow that improved relations could bring economic advantages. Envoys have discussed the diesel arrangement with Ukrainian officials as part of broader diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks.