Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Oct 10: The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on the sale and import of Russian-origin diesel fuel until April 7, 2027, following a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on fuel supplies.
The US Department of the Treasury announced the decision on Friday, authorising transactions related to the sale, delivery, unloading and import of diesel fuel originating in Russia, including imports into the United States.
“...all transactions prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations that are related to the sale, delivery, offloading, or importation, including importation into the United States, of diesel fuel of Russian Federation origin are authorised through 12:01 am eastern daylight time, April 7, 2027,” the Treasury Department said.
The announcement came minutes after Trump spoke with Putin and announced an agreement to increase diesel supplies to the American and international markets.
Trump said Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and another one million tonnes immediately thereafter. Russia would subsequently deliver an additional three million tonnes, depending on the condition of its refineries, he said in a post on Truth Social.
Diesel prices have surged in international markets amid disruptions to fuel supplies. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have affected Moscow's refining capacity, prompting Russia to impose restrictions on diesel exports.
Attacks by Houthi militants on refineries in Saudi Arabia have further tightened fuel supplies, adding to concerns over the availability and cost of petroleum products.
The latest US decision comes as the Trump administration faces mounting domestic pressure to bring down fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. Higher energy costs have emerged as a concern for consumers, with the administration under pressure to ensure adequate supplies and ease the financial burden on households and businesses.
The temporary authorisation allows specified transactions involving Russian-origin diesel to proceed until April 7, 2027, although the broader US sanctions framework against Russia remains in place.