Russia Restarts Diesel Exports After Deal With US President Trump

Economy30 sourcesOct 15, 2026

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The Story

The International Energy Agency (IEA) stated in its October Oil Market Report that the easing of Russian diesel export restrictions is unlikely to materially alter the global gasoil market balance, as current export constraints stem from a lack of operational Russian refinery capacity due to Ukraine's 2026 attacks.

The Kremlin confirmed on Thursday that Russian diesel has begun to reach global markets following an agreement with US President Donald Trump. LSEG data showed on Wednesday that a tanker carrying around 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel was loaded from the Baltic port of Primorsk and is heading towards Morocco. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the diesel is expected to have a positive effect on stabilizing oil markets, though it will not fully stabilize them.

Under the terms announced by Trump, Russia agreed to immediately release 300,000 metric tons of diesel, followed by 500,000 metric tons in November, and 1 million thereafter. The US Treasury Department issued a license authorizing transactions involving Russian diesel through April 7, 2027. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev backed the deal, citing high fuel prices in Europe, while Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and High Representative Kaja Kallas condemned it as a risky choice and a gift to Putin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the deal, stating it is certainly not how partners should treat each other. Russian presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev said the deal has already helped lower American fuel prices, with diesel futures in New York falling 5% on the announcement. One source states the deal would violate two federal laws, including the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, which bans Russian energy products.

What they agree on

Russia has restarted diesel exports following an agreement with US President Donald Trump.
The deal involves Russia supplying specific quantities of diesel to global markets, including the US, with an initial release of 300,000 metric tons.
The US Treasury Department issued a temporary license authorizing transactions involving Russian diesel through April 7, 2027.
The agreement has drawn criticism from European and Ukrainian officials, who view it as beneficial to Russia's war effort.
The deal aims to lower fuel prices amid global supply disruptions.

Where they split

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated Russia will supply up to 3.5 million tons of diesel through the end of 2026, while President Trump's initial announcement included 300,000 metric tons immediately, 500,000 in November, and 1 million thereafter.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) stated the easing of Russian diesel export restrictions is unlikely to materially alter the global market balance, while Russian officials claim the deal has already helped lower American fuel prices and will positively affect oil markets.
One source states the deal would violate two federal laws, including the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, which bans Russian energy products, while other sources report the US Treasury Department issued a license authorizing the transactions.