United States and Russia Reach Agreement to Supply Russian Diesel
The bilateral pact and Treasury Department waiver aim to ease high energy costs fueled by an international conflict involving Iran.
United States President Donald Trump announced on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, that he reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Under the agreement, Russia will supply diesel to American and global markets. The United States Department of the Treasury issued a temporary license allowing the fuel to enter international commerce.
The agreement occurred as international energy prices climbed during an ongoing conflict involving Iran. According to AAA, the national average diesel price in the United States stood at $6.23 per gallon on Friday. The price had reached a record high of $6.52 per gallon on Sept. 22.
Russia agreed to send more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel immediately, with another 500,000 tonnes scheduled during November. A further 1,000,000 tonnes will follow immediately afterward. Up to 3 million tonnes may arrive quickly, depending on the condition of Russian refineries.
Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that he concluded a successful discussion with Putin. He said reducing prices for American farmers, ranchers, and truckers is his highest priority.
The Kremlin said Moscow reaffirmed its readiness to deliver petroleum products to global and American markets. Russian officials expressed confidence that the supplies will benefit the world economy. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev wrote on X that bilateral energy cooperation will be advantageous for the world.
The Kremlin reported that the two leaders also discussed bilateral relations, the war involving Iran, and potential prospects for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The announcement partially waives existing United States energy sanctions while European and Ukrainian diplomats were meeting in Miami.
The United States banned imports of Russian oil and gas in 2022 under President Joe Biden after Russia invaded Ukraine. Just one month before the new deal, Trump signed sweeping sanctions targeting Russian energy and industries funding military operations.
The White House did not provide details explaining who will purchase the diesel or when it will reach consumer markets. The administration did not specify whether November deliveries would arrive before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. It did not say if it will enforce mandatory congressional sanctions against major buyers of Russian energy.
