First Russian diesel tanker arrives in New York under Trump-Putin agreement
A tanker carrying 40,000 tons of diesel departed Russia for New York after President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin agreed to increase diesel supplies, amid U.S. diesel prices exceeding $6 per gallon.
A Russian tanker loaded with 40,000 tons of diesel set sail for New York earlier this week following an agreement between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin to boost global diesel supplies. The shipment arrives as U.S. diesel prices have risen above $6 per gallon.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "The first oil tanker has sailed off to customers, and regular supplies will continue."
The deal, announced in early October, calls for Russia to deliver more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, an additional 500,000 tons in November, and a further million tons thereafter, with a potential total of 3 million tons later, according to statements from the White House. President Trump said the agreement followed a "highly successful discussion" and emphasized that increased supply would help lower fuel costs for American consumers.
Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro cautioned that the 40,000-ton shipment would only cover a short period of diesel consumption and warned that purchasing Russian fuel could indirectly support Russia's military actions in Ukraine. He expressed concern that the arrangement might benefit Russia's war effort.
The shipment marks the first Russian diesel delivery to the United States since 2023, and officials noted that the move comes amid political pressure to reduce fuel prices ahead of upcoming elections.