Russia to send first diesel tanker to US on 22 October, Novak says

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia will send its first tanker carrying diesel fuel to the United States on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Al Jazeera and TASS both reported his statement. The reports describe the shipment as a planned event. They do not confirm that the tanker has departed.

According to Al Jazeera, Novak made the remarks to reporters on Wednesday, 21 October. Al Jazeera reported that the vessel will carry 40,000 tonnes of fuel. It said Novak did not name the US port where the fuel will be delivered. Al Jazeera links the shipment to agreements with US President Donald Trump.

Background

According to Al Jazeera, Russia lifted its ban on diesel exports on 9 October. Moscow had imposed the ban to address domestic shortages after Ukrainian drone strikes reduced production capacity.

Al Jazeera also reported that US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks in St Petersburg.

Citing the American Automobile Association (AAA), Al Jazeera reported that the average US price of a gallon of diesel is $6.31, down from $6.51 a month earlier. It noted that the United States holds midterm elections in less than two weeks.

What each side says

• Alexander Novak: RIA Novosti quoted him as saying, according to Al Jazeera: "Additional shipments will follow, of course. There were agreements reached between the two leaders. We will meet the United States’ needs, to the extent of our capabilities."
• Steve Witkoff: Al Jazeera attributed this statement to him: "We are preparing deliveries of several vessels, the tankers, right now. They will go one after another. The financial component should be provided." Al Jazeera also reported that he said Russia could supply fertilisers in "large quantities" to the US market. The reports do not say when, where or to whom he made these remarks. The attribution appears only in the Al Jazeera report.
• Donald Trump: According to Al Jazeera, Trump previously said Moscow would export 300,000 tonnes (2.25 million barrels), followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes "immediately thereafter". The reports do not give a time frame for the first 300,000 tonnes.
• Ukraine's Ministry of Defence: It says drone strikes earlier this month knocked out at least half of Russia's oil refining capacity, forcing cuts at Russia's top diesel-producing refineries. The reports do not include independent verification of this claim or a Russian response.

What the reports do not say

The reports do not identify the US destination port, the Russian departure port or the US buyer. They do not describe the terms of the agreement, including pricing, payment or the "financial component". They do not say whether US sanctions or licensing affect the shipments. The TASS report reviewed by Vocemundi was limited to a headline and summary.

Analysis

If the tanker sails as announced, it would mark a visible step in energy trade between Moscow and Washington. Several questions remain open. The reports do not explain how payment, sanctions or licensing would work. Further shipments of the size Trump described would depend on Russian refining capacity, which Ukraine says has been sharply reduced. That claim has not been independently verified. Observers may also weigh the timing against US fuel prices and the coming midterm elections. The reports reviewed do not establish any link between these factors and the deal. Details of the agreement may clarify its scope.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.