Russian diesel exports double after Trump-Putin deal, but no shipments reach US - FT
Russia doubled its diesel exports in October after US President Donald Trump eased sanctions on the fuel and Washington pressed Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries. Yet none of the shipments intended for the United States have reached American buyers, the Financial Times reported on November 12.
Russia exported an average of 271,000 barrels of diesel per day in October, up from 135,000 barrels in September, according to data from commodity analytics firm Kpler.
The increase followed Trump's October 9 announcement of a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to boost diesel supplies to the US and global markets. The US Treasury subsequently issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel exports.
However, while Russian shipments to Brazil, Turkey and other markets increased, attempts to deliver the fuel to the United States have encountered resistance.
At least two tankers initially bound for US ports have changed course in recent weeks.
A third vessel, the Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes, remains off the US East Coast carrying Russian diesel but has yet to secure a buyer, according to ship-tracking data cited by the FT.
A White House official said negotiations involving the vessel were continuing.
US opposition to Russian fuel imports
Trump's agreement with Putin has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans in Congress, who have questioned its legality and demanded that it be withdrawn.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned port and terminal operators in her state against accepting Russian diesel shipments, saying they could face severe penalties.
New Jersey serves as an entry point for cargoes arriving in New York Harbor.
The White House defended the agreement, arguing that increased Russian diesel supplies would help reduce fuel prices globally, including for American consumers.
“This is a deal for the world,” a White House official told the FT, saying its purpose was to increase global diesel supply and lower prices.
Russian exports remain far below normal levels
Despite the October increase, Russian diesel exports remain well below their historical levels.
Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects, said his firm's estimates showed exports rising from 120,000 barrels per day in September to 260,000 in October.
That compares with a five-year October average of approximately 700,000 barrels per day.
Bronze attributed the recent recovery partly to Russian refineries increasing production while Ukraine temporarily suspended attacks.
“If we want to attribute it, it would be the US pressure and Trump's announcement of an energy ceasefire,” he told the FT.
Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian refineries on October 30 following a two-week pause.
Russia has since extended restrictions on diesel exports until the end of January, although some exceptions will apply, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Analysts expect the recovery in exports to be short-lived as Ukrainian strikes continue to constrain Russian refining capacity.
Sumit Ritolia, an analyst at Kpler, said Russia was likely to prioritize domestic fuel supplies amid growing shortages.
“Russian refinery operations remain under significant pressure,” he said, forecasting continued constraints and limited prospects for a substantial recovery while the attacks persist.