Novak says first Russian diesel deliveries to US need at least two to three weeks
In short
Russia's first diesel deliveries to the United States are possible in at least two to three weeks, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on October 15. He said contracts, loading and vessel chartering still had to be arranged, although Russian companies were ready to ship.
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Russia's first diesel deliveries to the United States could take at least two to three weeks, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on October 15. Speaking on the sidelines of Russian Energy Week, he said the timetable depended on concluding contracts and arranging transport. Russian oil companies were ready to begin loading immediately, he said, but several steps were still needed before fuel could reach consumers. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Novak said commercial negotiations were under way on exports of Russian diesel to the United States and world markets. Companies needed to sign contracts, load the fuel, charter a vessel and send it to the buyer. He urged agreements to be concluded more quickly. Vedomosti reported that he estimated the procedures would take about two or three weeks. [ 3 , 5 ]
The planned exports follow an October 9 agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump on supplies of Russian diesel to American and world markets. Vedomosti reported an initial volume of more than 300,000 tonnes, with another 500,000 tonnes planned for November and 1 million tonnes later. It said the US Treasury had temporarily eased sanctions restrictions to implement the arrangement. [ 3 , 5 ]
In a separate statement reported on October 15, Novak said Russia and the United States were not yet negotiating an extension of the diesel supply licence. Kommersant specified that an extension beyond April 2027 had not been discussed. The outlet also reported Novak's statement that the price of Russian diesel for the American market was a matter for commercial negotiations; it did not give an agreed price. [ 6 , 7 ]
Why it matters
The delivery timetable depends on commercial agreements and shipping arrangements following the October 9 agreement between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Novak said Russia and the US had not yet discussed extending the supply licence.
Key facts
- Novak put the earliest possible first diesel deliveries to the US at two to three weeks. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- He said contracts must be signed, fuel loaded and a vessel chartered and dispatched. [ 3 , 5 ]
- Russian companies were ready to load immediately, Novak said. [ 3 ]
- Putin and Trump agreed on October 9 on Russian diesel supplies to US and world markets. [ 3 , 5 ]
- Novak said the two countries were not yet discussing an extension of the diesel supply licence. [ 6 , 7 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The price of Russian diesel for the US market remained subject to commercial negotiations. Kommersant reported Novak's statement without giving an agreed price.