Business
Russia has dispatched three tankers carrying diesel fuel to the United States in an effort to ease the global fuel shortage.
Russia has dispatched three tankers carrying diesel fuel to the United States in an effort to ease the global fuel shortage. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the shipments were being made under an agreement reached between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Russian media reports, all three vessels are heading toward the eastern Atlantic. Maritime tracking agencies report that one of the ships, the Agioi Fanendes, sailing under the Maltese flag, departed from Russia’s Primorsk port for New York carrying approximately 40,000 tonnes of diesel. It is expected to arrive around November 7.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia would ensure additional diesel supplies to the global market. In October, Russia also authorized its companies to export up to 500,000 tonnes of diesel to international markets, although meeting domestic demand would remain the priority. Russian officials said further diesel shipments were also planned. On October 9, following a telephone conversation with Putin, U.S. President Trump announced additional diesel supplies from Russia. Washington subsequently granted temporary sanctions relief to allow imports of Russian diesel.
The agreement comes at a time when disruptions to global energy supplies have driven up diesel prices in the United States. According to the report, diesel prices exceeded $6.50 per gallon in some locations in September, while prices in certain parts of California rose above $8 per gallon. Disruptions to global energy shipments and difficulties with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz are being cited as major factors contributing to fuel shortages and rising prices.
