Kremlin hopes US deal will bring Russian diesel exports back to full capacity
Photo: Russian deputy prime minister Alexander Novak (Getty Images)
Russia expects to restore its diesel fuel export volumes by the end of the year. Moscow has also announced preparations for its first shipment to the US and the possibility of expanding its customer base, according to the Russian news agency TASS.
Russian deputy prime minister Alexander Novak said the first tanker carrying 40,000 tons of Russian diesel fuel is expected to depart for the US as early as tomorrow.
According to him, the process of signing contracts between Russia and the US for diesel supplies is in its final stages.
Moscow expects shipments to the American market to become part of broader plans to restore fuel exports.
Russia wants to restore diesel export volumes by the end of the year
Novak also said that Russia could fully restore its diesel fuel export volumes by the end of the year.
According to him, closer to the end of the year, other countries besides the US will also be able to receive Russian diesel. He did not name the specific countries that could become buyers.
The Russian deputy prime minister also commented on the prospects for gas infrastructure and cooperation with China.
According to Novak, the damaged pipelines of the Nord Stream gas pipeline system can technically be restored. The statement provided does not mention any specific timeline for the work or a decision to proceed with repairs.
In early October, US President Donald Trump's administration reached an agreement with Moscow on diesel fuel supplies. The US Treasury Department temporarily exempted Russian diesel fuel from sanctions until April 7, 2027.
The US hopes that easing sanctions on Russian diesel will help persuade Russian president Vladimir Putin to compromise on ending the war in Ukraine.
