First Russian Diesel Cargo En Route to New York Under Trump-Putin Agreement

A tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of Russian ultra-low-sulfur diesel loaded in the Baltic port of Primorsk on October 22 and is heading to New York, the first shipment under the energy deal President Trump announced with Vladimir Putin.

Reuters shipping data identify the Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes. Arrival is expected around November 7. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the initial cargo and said additional shipments will follow within Russia’s capacity. He has stated that Moscow expects to restore monthly diesel exports to between 3 million and 3.5 million tons by year-end.

Trump said on October 9 that Putin agreed to supply more than 300,000 metric tons immediately (roughly 2.25 million barrels), another 500,000 tons in November, and 1 million tons thereafter, with potential further volumes once damaged refineries are repaired. Russia lifted its self-imposed diesel export ban the same day. The Treasury Department issued a temporary license suspending relevant U.S. sanctions until April 2027.

U.S. diesel prices remain elevated. The administration has framed the arrangement as a practical step to increase supply and lower costs while larger strategic issues with Moscow continue. Ukrainian officials have criticized the move as providing little relief to American consumers while funding Russia’s war effort. The cargo is scheduled to arrive four days after the November 3 midterms.