Russia ready to ship diesel to US market in October, Deputy PM Novak says
In short
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on October 9 that Russia is ready to supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US market and other partners in October, rising to 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes in December. He said Russia is immediately beginning to lift restrictions on diesel exports ahead of schedule. His remarks followed US President Donald Trump's statement that an agreement on diesel supplies had been reached in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Read the full story 2 min read
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on October 9 that Russia is ready to supply an additional volume of diesel to the US market as early as October. "Russia is ready to supply an additional volume of diesel to the US market, as well as to all our partners, 300,000 tonnes already in October, with a further increase in diesel exports to 500,000 tonnes in November and up to 1 million tonnes in December. In the future the volume may grow to 3 million tonnes a month," Novak told journalists, according to RIA Novosti. TASS, RBC and Vedomosti also reported his remarks. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
Novak said Russia was immediately beginning to lift restrictions on diesel exports ahead of the planned schedule, RBC and Vedomosti reported, citing his comments to TASS. According to Vedomosti, he said the Russian market would remain fully supplied with diesel despite the start of supplies abroad. Novak also said Russia viewed positively US steps to stabilise the global energy market and restore normal trade in energy resources, Vedomosti reported. [ 2 , 4 ]
Earlier on October 9, US President Donald Trump said that an agreement had been reached during a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on supplying more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the US and global market, another 500,000 tonnes in November, 1 million tonnes immediately after that and an additional 3 million tonnes within a short time, Vedomosti reported. Trump's account, as reported, refers to an additional 3 million tonnes within a short time, while Novak spoke of volumes that could grow to 3 million tonnes a month. [ 4 , 5 ]
On the same day the US Treasury issued general license No. 135, authorising transactions related to the sale, delivery, offloading and import of diesel fuel of Russian origin, including import into the United States, according to Vedomosti. The license is valid until April 7, 2027. Following the conversation, Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and world markets, saying this would have a positive effect on the global economy, Vedomosti reported. [ 4 ]
Why it matters
Novak's statements indicate that Russia plans to start diesel supplies abroad, including to the United States, after Trump said volumes had been agreed with Putin. Vedomosti reported that the US Treasury issued a license on the same day allowing transactions involving Russian-origin diesel, including its import into the United States.
Key facts
- Novak said Russia is ready to supply an additional volume of diesel to the US market in October. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
- Novak said Russia could supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel in October, 500,000 tonnes in November and up to 1 million tonnes in December, according to RIA Novosti. [ 5 ]
- Novak said export volumes could eventually grow to 3 million tonnes a month. [ 5 ]
- Novak said Russia is immediately beginning to lift diesel export restrictions ahead of the planned schedule. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Novak said the Russian domestic market will remain fully supplied with diesel. [ 4 ]
- Vedomosti reported that the US Treasury issued general license No. 135 on October 9, covering transactions involving Russian-origin diesel, valid until April 7, 2027. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Novak said Russia is ready to supply diesel to the US market in October. [ 2 , 4 , 5 ]
- Novak said Russia could supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the world market in October. [ 3 , 5 ]
- Novak said Russia is immediately beginning to lift diesel export restrictions earlier than planned. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Novak said Russia could increase diesel exports in November and December. [ 4 , 5 ]
Still unclear
- How the reported volumes compare with what Trump described. Trump, as reported by Vedomosti, spoke of an additional 3 million tonnes within a short time, while Novak spoke of volumes that could grow to 3 million tonnes a month.
- How much of the diesel will go to the United States rather than other partners. Novak referred to supplies to the US market and to all partners without giving a split.
- Which export restrictions are being lifted and on what dates. The documents say restrictions are being lifted ahead of schedule but give no details of the measures or timing.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- TASS reports Novak's comments on when Russia is ready to begin diesel supplies to the US market. [ 1 ]
- RBC reports that Russia is lifting diesel export restrictions early and is ready to supply diesel to the US in October. [ 2 ]
- TASS reports Novak's figure of 300,000 for October diesel supplies to the world market. [ 3 ]
- Vedomosti reports Novak's statement together with Trump's account and the US Treasury license. [ 4 ]
- RIA Novosti publishes Novak's quote on volumes for October, November and December and up to 3 million tonnes a month. [ 5 ]