President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase Russian diesel supplies to the United States and global markets, as high fuel prices continue to affect consumers and businesses.
Following their October 9 phone conversation, Trump said Russia had agreed to supply 300,000 tons of diesel in October and another 500,000 tons in November, with potentially larger shipments in the following months.
CNN reported that the U.S. Treasury Department is easing certain sanctions to allow Russian diesel sales, marking a shift in Washington’s efforts to restrict Moscow’s energy revenue.
The announcement comes as diesel prices have climbed above $6 per gallon in the United States, increasing transportation and agricultural costs ahead of the November midterm elections.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the agreement, expressing concern that additional Russian energy revenue could help finance Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The deal also comes as Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have disrupted fuel production and exports.
Whether the additional diesel supplies will significantly reduce global fuel prices remains uncertain.
