Russian diesel shipments head to Turkey and Brazil after Trump deal eases restrictions

Shipping data from Kpler and LSEG showed that at least two tankers had departed Russia's Baltic port of Primorsk for traditional buyers of Russian fuel.

The tanker Leruo, which left Primorsk on October 16, listed Manaus, Brazil, as its destination. The Dolunay departed on October 14 bound for Alanya, Turkey. Each vessel is carrying approximately 300,000 barrels of diesel, according to Kpler.

Morocco has also resumed imports of Russian diesel since the restrictions were lifted.

Russia introduced its export ban to address domestic fuel shortages caused in part by Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries. Moscow lifted the ban on October 9 following an agreement with Trump to increase Russian diesel supplies to global markets.

The agreement also included a temporary suspension of US sanctions affecting Russian fuel shipments. European Union and British embargoes on Russian fuel imports remain in force.

Russian diesel exports have averaged approximately 345,000 barrels per day so far this year, down 41% from the same period last year, according to shipping data cited by Reuters.

Turkey accounted for approximately 34% of Russian diesel shipments this year, followed by Brazil at 24% and Morocco at 10%.

Three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that Turkish fuel suppliers had already reduced purchases from domestic refineries in anticipation of Russian deliveries.

Trump said Russia would initially supply 300,000 metric tons of diesel, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons thereafter.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak subsequently suggested exports could rise to as much as 3.5 million tons per month by the end of the year.

The deal comes as Trump seeks to ease diesel prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections.

Despite the announcement, European benchmark diesel futures have shown little change since the agreement, Reuters reported.