Russian diesel tanker departs for U.S. following Trump-Putin fuel agreement

A Malta-flagged tanker named Agioi Fanendes left the Russian port of Primorsk on Friday carrying about 298,000 barrels of diesel destined for New York, according to MarineTraffic data reviewed by NBC News. The Kremlin confirmed the departure, and the vessel is expected to arrive on Nov. 10.

Energy Aspects, a market-intelligence firm, said its industry sources verified the loading volume and noted that the cargo will likely have a limited impact on U.S. diesel supplies, which average about 3.8 million barrels per day.

"I believe there have already been reports from the Ministry of Energy that the first tanker has departed for its destinations and that further shipments will continue on a regular basis," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The shipment follows President Donald Trump's recent easing of sanctions on Russia, a move he described as part of efforts to lower energy prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Analysts note that diesel prices have risen sharply this year, with the average price climbing from $3.55 to $6.32 per gallon.

"Policy intervention can provide temporary relief, but there is no silver bullet for diesel," Bank of America commodities head Francisco Blanch wrote.

KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk warned that high diesel costs affect a wide range of economic activities, from farming to freight shipping. While the Kremlin lifted previous diesel export restrictions after the Trump-Putin agreement, experts say the additional supply is insufficient to offset broader market tightness caused by geopolitical disruptions and ongoing conflicts.