U.S. Traders Weigh the Cost of Taking Trump’s Russian Diesel

Alex Kimani is a veteran finance writer, investor, engineer and researcher for Safehaven.com.

Two tankers carrying Russian diesel have diverted from their intended American destinations, while another remains in the North Atlantic without a declared unloading port, complicating President Donald Trump’s agreement with Vladimir Putin to ease fuel prices. The Treasury has authorized Russian diesel transactions, but lawmakers warn that companies handling U.S. imports could still violate a congressional ban. The Russian tanker Talisman and Sierra Leone-flagged Leruo departed the Baltic port of Primorsk in October, initially declaring destinations on the U.S. East Coast. By November 5, Leruo was indicating Brazil, while Talisman had entered the Mediterranean. According to AFP’s reporting, Talisman passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on November 2, before the U.S. midterm elections.

The Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes also lacks a confirmed discharge destination. Maritime Optima’s vessel tracker, checked on November 9, listed it underway in the North Atlantic with no reported destination. CNN reported on November 8 that the vessel was carrying approximately 300,000 barrels and had slowed in recent days. Kpler analyst Matt Smith attributed the uncertainty surrounding the cargoes to prospective U.S. buyers’ concerns about legal consequences.

Moscow continues to promote the agreement publicly. On Monday, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin described it as a potential foundation for gradually restoring business relations with Washington, Reuters reported. Reuters nevertheless described the arrangement’s practical implementation as unclear following the tanker diversions.

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