Russia to send first diesel shipment to US on Thursday

Russia will send its first 40,000-tonne diesel shipment to the United States on Thursday under an agreement between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to resume fuel supplies, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said, as global diesel markets face a supply squeeze. The shipment is part of a broader plan for Russia to supply 300,000 metric tonnes initially, followed by 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes thereafter, aimed at easing shortages and rising prices. Russia lifted its diesel export ban on October 9 after Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted refinery production. Ukraine has opposed the arrangement, warning that revenue from diesel sales could help finance Moscow's war effort, while President Volodymyr Zelensky said it could weaken pressure on the Kremlin. Analysts expect limited impact on global prices, as EU restrictions on direct Russian fuel imports remain in place.