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Two Russian diesel shipments divert as US buyers reject cargoes
Developed over time first seen 1 day ago
Two Russian diesel tankers bound for the United States have changed course, raising doubts about whether the energy deal announced by Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will go ahead. US buyers have declined the cargoes amid legal threats, while the diversions come as American diesel prices have risen sharply.
Trade analyst Matt Smith said two of the three cargoes had diverted: the Hong Kong-owned Leruo signalled Brazil, while the sanctioned Russian-flagged Talisman headed towards the Mediterranean. Smith expected the third vessel, Greek-owned Agioi Fanendes, might also turn away because of regulatory and sanctions issues. Trump said Russia would initially supply 300,000 tonnes, then 500,000 tonnes in November and 1 million tonnes thereafter; the first shipment would cover about three-quarters of one day’s US diesel use. The deal has also drawn criticism from Ukraine and European allies, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has told organisations involved to preserve documents for possible oversight inquiries.
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In short
- Two of three Russian diesel cargoes bound for the US have diverted.
- Legal and sanctions concerns are deterring American buyers.
- The initial 300,000-tonne supply would cover about three-quarters of one day’s US use.
How this story developed
- 18 hours ago The third tanker remained at risk of diversion, as the two others’ routes sharpened doubts about whether any Russian diesel would reach US buyers.
- 1 day ago Analysts said the diversions could extend to the third tanker, while experts judged the deal’s immediate effect on global energy markets would be limited.
- 1 day ago Two of three Russian diesel tankers bound for the US changed course after American buyers declined the cargoes amid legal and sanctions concerns, putting a Trump–Putin energy deal in doubt.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that accepting Russian diesel under a negotiated arrangement may help secure additional fuel supplies and ease pressure on US consumers and businesses, particularly if shipments are available at favourable terms. They may also see energy trade as a practical channel for diplomacy, and argue that clear legal arrangements could manage sanctions concerns while keeping communication open with Moscow.
The case against
Critics could argue that buying Russian fuel risks weakening sanctions and rewarding a government waging war against Ukraine, while exposing American firms to legal and reputational costs. They may also question the deal’s practical value: buyers’ reluctance and the tankers’ diversions suggest the promised supply may not arrive, and experts expect little near-term effect on global markets.
Explained simply
Diesel is a fuel used by lorries, buses, machinery and some cars, so changes in its supply can affect transport and business costs. Russia is a major energy producer, but US sanctions and other restrictions make buying Russian cargoes legally and commercially risky for American companies.
Donald Trump said Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, had agreed to supply diesel to the United States. The proposed deliveries would involve Russian sellers and US buyers, with shipping companies carrying the fuel; Ukraine and European allies have criticised the arrangement because of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The deal matters because it touches on sanctions, relations between the United States and Russia, and support for Ukraine. Its effect on fuel supplies and prices would depend on whether the cargoes can be bought and delivered, and on how large the shipments are compared with overall demand.
Coverage · 2 sources
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Originally published by The Moscow Times as “Russian Diesel Tankers Bound for U.S. Change Course, Casting Doubt on Trump Deal”.