Russia to send first diesel shipment to US on Thursday

Russian newspaper Vedomosti quoted Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying that Moscow will send its first diesel tanker to the United States on Thursday, following an agreement with US President Donald Trump.

On October 9, Russia lifted its ban on diesel exports, which had been imposed to ease domestic supply shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries. The move came after reaching an agreement with Trump to supply global markets with diesel.

Media reports cited Novak on Wednesday as saying that a tanker will carry 40,000 tons of fuel, and that the paperwork for the shipment is nearing completion. He did not specify the delivery port.

Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted Novak as saying: “Further shipments will follow, of course. The two leaders have reached agreements, and we will meet US needs as much as our capacity allows.”

Trump said Russia will immediately export 300,000 tons, or 2.25 million barrels, followed by 500,000 tons in November and a further 1 million tons shortly thereafter.