U.S. Treasury officials lifted sanctions on Russian diesel sales effective until April 7, 2027, after a brief meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Treasury’s announcement came minutes after Trump announced a deal to import more than 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November, a million tons later, and an additional 3 million tons contingent on refinery output.
The sanctions removal authorizes all transactions related to the sale, delivery, off‑loading, or importation of Russian diesel, including imports into the United States, until 12:01 am EDT, April 7, 2027.
The move comes amid a global fuel crunch, with diesel prices surging after Ukraine’s attacks on Russian refineries forced Moscow to halt exports, and Houthi militia strikes on Saudi refineries tightening supplies further.
Fuel traders in Rotterdam noted the first commercial sale under the new rules, a step that will likely ease pressure on diesel prices in Europe and Asia.
Trump faces mounting pressure to curb fuel costs ahead of the November mid‑term elections, and the administration may seek to re‑impose sanctions if the Kremlin’s supply fails to stabilize global markets.