Trump says Russia agreed to supply diesel; US Treasury authorizes Russian diesel transactions

US President Donald Trump said on Friday, 9 October 2026, that he had reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets. He announced it on his Truth Social platform after a phone call with Putin.

According to Trump, Russia will immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel. He said 500,000 tons would follow in November, then 1 million tons, and later a further 3 million tons. According to The Hindu, Trump said the last 3 million tons would depend on the condition of Russia's refineries. The South China Morning Post gave the initial 300,000 tons as 272,155 tonnes. France 24 and Al Jazeera reported the figures in tonnes.

Shortly after the announcement, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary authorization for transactions involving Russian-origin diesel. These include its sale, delivery and importation, "including importation into the United States," according to a Treasury statement quoted by The Hindu. Such transactions would otherwise be prohibited under US sanctions rules. The authorization runs until 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on 7 April 2027.

Last month, Trump signed a broad law on Russia sanctions. It aims to restrict Russia's energy sector and other areas that fund its war against Ukraine. According to France 24, it directs the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil or gas, with some exceptions. The reports do not explain how the new authorization fits with that law.

The call was expected to cover suspected plague in Russia. The reports do not say whether this was discussed.

US diesel prices are elevated ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. The war in Iran has contributed to rising global fuel prices. According to Al Jazeera, US diesel prices are up 70% since that war began this year. France 24, citing the US Energy Information Administration, reported that the US has not imported Russian oil or gas since 2022.

The reports do not include confirmation of Trump's figures from Putin or the Kremlin. They also do not describe who pays for the diesel or the commercial terms. Russia's deputy prime minister said supplies could begin in October, but according to France 24, the White House did not immediately respond to questions about who was paying or when the fuel would become available.

What is disputed

Outlets citing the motoring group AAA give different current national average diesel prices: $6.23 per gallon (France 24) and $6.27 per gallon (Al Jazeera).

What each side says

Trump wrote: "Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," according to France 24.

Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev wrote on X: "Russia-US cooperation on diesel and energy will benefit the world," Al Jazeera reported.

According to DW, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia is ready to supply additional diesel from October.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X: "Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world," DW reported.

Analysis

The announcement links US domestic fuel prices with US sanctions policy toward Russia. Supporters of the move may point to the potential relief for consumers. Critics, including Ukraine's president, argue that it could add to Russia's revenue during the war. Several factors remain unclear. These include whether Russia confirms the volumes, whether its refineries can deliver them, and how the authorization relates to last month's sanctions law. How European governments, Congress and participants in the planned Miami talks on Ukraine respond could shape whether this remains a short-term measure or becomes a broader policy shift.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.