Russia shipping first diesel cargo to US this week after sanctions waiver

Russia was set to dispatch its first diesel tanker to the US on Oct. 22 after the Trump administration issued sweeping sanctions waivers aimed at reopening trade flows, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

The first tanker, which has a displacement of some 40,000 mt, making it medium-range in scale, will depart from Russia’s Baltic coastline, Novak told local media, adding that subsequent batches will follow later. It will be the first shipment of its kind to leave for the US since January 2022, before the US first sanctioned Russian energy flows.

Historically, the world’s second-largest exporter of seaborne diesel, Russia still faces restrictions on its capacity due to Ukrainian attacks on its refineries, which have been a focal point for targeted offensives. However, the country has taken steps to partly relax a diesel export ban intended to conserve its domestic supply, in a concession to Trump for easing sanctions.

In his comments to national press, Novak said Russia is not yet restoring its diesel exports in full, but will “within the abilities of [its] refineries.” Toward the end of the year, Russia can restore its full diesel export volumes, and broaden its shipments to other countries, he said.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →