Trump Says Russia to Ship Diesel to US Immediately

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Russia will begin delivering diesel fuel to the United States immediately after talks with President Vladimir Putin. The deal calls for more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to arrive right away, another 500,000 tonnes in November, and an additional one million tonnes shortly thereafter. Russia also said it could ship 3,000,000 tonnes within a short period, depending on the condition of its refineries. The announcement comes as the United States moves to impose steep tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Trump framed the supply as a way to curb soaring fuel prices that have risen amid the war on Iran and are a key issue in the November 3 midterm elections. Opinion polls suggest the Republican Party may find it difficult to retain control of Congress. He said U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz, together with the Russian diesel shipments, will drive diesel prices for Americans and the world down "in record numbers and fast." Trump added that lower fuel costs for farmers, ranchers and truckers are his greatest priority. He called the announcement "very big and important" and reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

Context

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow chokepoint through which a large share of the world’s oil passes; control of it can affect global shipping costs. Diesel is a key fuel for transport and agriculture, so a large new supply can help ease price pressures, especially when domestic markets face tariffs and geopolitical tension.