First Russian Diesel Tanker To Sail For US Under Trump-Moscow Fuel Deal
OSINT X accounts will soon cover the first Russian tanker carrying diesel for the US market, following President Trump's deal with Moscow to supply the US amid a global refining crisis sparked by Ukraine hitting Russian energy assets and ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters cites the Vedomosti news outlet, which quoted Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying earlier today that the first Russian tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of the industrial fuel will begin its transit to the US on Thursday.
"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," Novak said.
President Trump has stated that, as part of his fuel deal with Moscow, Russia will immediately export 300,000 metric tons, or 2.25 million barrels, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons "immediately thereafter."
Earlier today, US special envoy Steve Witkoff joined Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace talks in St. Petersburg. Witkoff thanked Putin for lifting the export ban and agreeing to the US-Russia diesel export deal.
Witkoff on Russian diesel exports to the US: "I want to thank you for your decision to remove export controls on diesel oil from Russia and to sell not just to the United States but also to the world at large. I know the President is deeply grateful for it, as are our farmers and other truckers who use diesel and have been adversely affected by this diesel crisis, and people all over the world. So it's an example of us all working together, and I want to say thank you to you for that."
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 21, 2026
"That's an example of us working together, I want to thank you for that," Witkoff said during the meeting.
Putin said, "We are preparing deliveries of several vessels, the tankers, right now. They will go one after another. The financial component should be provided." He added that Russia could also supply the US with "large quantities" of fertilizers.
Putin to Witkoff: Following the announcements from both sides about diesel supplies, prices on global markets fell by 5–6%. We are preparing to ship several vessels immediately. The tankers are being prepared right now. The first tanker will depart in two or three days, carrying 40,000 tons. More will follow one after another. We only need to ensure that the financial arrangements are in place so everything works.
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 21, 2026
On Tuesday, oil markets traded near five-year highs as Brent crude futures peaked nearly at $112 a barrel and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continued.
UBS analyst Nana Antiedu pointed out, "The primary driver remains the ongoing threat to Strait of Hormuz flows; Iran's First Vice President stated the country has 'no choice' but to assert control over the waterway, keeping a risk premium firmly embedded in prices."
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Monday declared that pump prices have peaked ...
... but the International Energy Agency and Goldman Sachs energy experts have warned that there will be no quick relief, as the refining crisis will likely linger well into next year