Russia to send first diesel cargo to US on Thursday

Russia will send its first diesel cargo of 40,000 metric tons to the United States on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said, following a deal between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. The shipment comes after Russia lifted its self-imposed diesel export ban on October 9, which was introduced to address domestic shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries. Novak said additional shipments will follow, with Trump stating Russia would export 300,000 metric tons initially, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons thereafter. US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin in St Petersburg on Wednesday, thanking him for lifting export restrictions. Putin noted global diesel prices dropped 5%-6% after the agreement and said Russia could also supply fertilisers to the US market in large quantities.