Three Tankers Carrying 40,000 Tonnes of Russian Diesel Head to the US Under New Import Deal, First Shipment Since 2023
Washington, United States | October 24, 2026 | The Global Journal
Three tankers carrying approximately 40,000 tonnes of diesel have departed from Russia’s Primorsk port for the United States under a new import agreement. The shipment marks the first Russian diesel delivery to the US since 2023, according to reports. The development has sparked renewed discussion about Washington–Moscow energy trade and bilateral relations as the United States seeks to contain high fuel prices.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced the development on Friday, October 23. According to Reuters, Novak said the first three tankers carrying fuel had already set sail across the Atlantic toward the United States, with significant assistance from the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).
The shipment comes approximately two weeks after US President Donald Trump announced a diesel supply agreement with Moscow following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The deal is being viewed as part of Washington’s efforts to control high energy prices, particularly as fuel costs emerge as an important political issue ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
First Shipment: Destination and Volume
According to the Associated Press (AP), data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler indicated that the first tanker signaled its destination as New York on Friday. The vessel is expected to arrive there on November 7.
Novak had previously announced that the initial shipment would consist of 40,000 tonnes of diesel transported by three tankers. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also confirmed that the shipment had departed.
Peskov said the first oil tanker had set sail toward its buyers and that regular deliveries would continue.
According to AP estimates, 40,000 tonnes of diesel is equivalent to approximately 300,000 barrels. The United States consumes around four million barrels of diesel per day. By that measure, the initial Russian shipment represents approximately 7 percent of US daily diesel consumption.
Novak also indicated that Russian companies could supply a total of 500,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States during October. Whether that volume will be delivered remains dependent on subsequent shipments and implementation of the agreement.
Trump–Putin Deal Signals Potential Shift in Energy Policy
The diesel import agreement is being viewed as a possible indication of a shift in the Trump administration’s energy policy toward Moscow.
Trump had previously announced that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States. He also referred to plans for an additional 500,000 tonnes in November, followed by a further one million tonnes at a later stage.
Last month, Trump signed a broader sanctions package that reportedly included provisions for tariffs of up to 100 percent on the top five countries purchasing Russian energy. However, those measures were subsequently put on hold.
The new diesel agreement has raised questions about the administration’s priorities regarding US energy demand, fuel-price management and relations with Russia.
Ukraine Criticizes the Deal as Political Debate Grows in the US
The announcement of the diesel supply agreement prompted strong reactions in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the deal, describing it as a “weak decision by strong partners.”
According to reports, Trump has also faced criticism from lawmakers in both the Republican and Democratic parties. Allegations have additionally emerged that the agreement could violate US law, although details of the legal arguments or any formal legal determination have not been provided.
Meanwhile, Trump has accused Zelenskyy of showing insufficient interest in ending the war with Russia. Against the backdrop of tensions between Washington and Kyiv, the resumption of Russian energy trade has added another contentious issue to the debate over US policy toward the war.
How Much Could the Shipment Affect the US Energy Market?
The United States is one of the world’s largest consumers of diesel, which plays a crucial role in transportation, freight delivery, agriculture and industry. An additional source of imports could therefore contribute to the country’s fuel supply.
However, the initial shipment of approximately 300,000 barrels is relatively small compared with US daily diesel consumption. There is not yet sufficient evidence to conclude that this shipment alone will significantly reduce fuel prices.
The actual impact will depend on whether subsequent shipments arrive regularly, the total volume ultimately imported and the effect on diesel availability and market prices.
The departure of the three Russian diesel tankers is therefore more than a commercial development. It also highlights broader questions surrounding energy security, US–Russia relations and Washington’s policy toward the war in Ukraine.
