Russian Diesel Tanker Heads to New York After US License

A Maltese-flagged tanker carrying 40,000 tons of Russian diesel is en route to New York, according to Reuters, citing LSEG data. The vessel is expected to arrive in the US on November 7. The tanker Agioi Fanendes was loaded on October 22 at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk with ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on October 19 that diesel shipments to the US would begin within 15-20 days of commercial contracts. The shipment follows a temporary US license issued October 9, allowing Russian diesel exports until April 2027. Russia has offered to increase monthly diesel supplies to the US from 500,000 to 3.5 million tons. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the sanctions easing as a sign of weakness.