US President Donald Trump said Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had committed to supplying millions of tons of diesel to the US and global markets over several months, following what Trump described as a “very productive conversation.”
Trump wrote on social media that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to US and global markets, followed by another 500,000 tons in November and one million tons shortly afterward. He added that, depending on the condition of Russia’s refineries, the country would rapidly supply another three million tons of diesel.
“Diesel prices for Americans, and indeed for the entire world, will come down rapidly and at record levels,” Trump said, adding that securing lower prices for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers and truck drivers, was his top priority.
Trump is aware that rising fuel prices are a major source of voter discontent ahead of the crucial November 3 midterm elections.
Republicans fear losing control of Congress in the elections.
Amid sanctions imposed on Russian fuel exports, the US Treasury Department said it had issued a temporary license allowing the products to be placed on the market.
Trump’s announcement came as US-Ukrainian talks resumed in Florida on Friday and Saturday over a settlement to the conflict with Russia. European officials were also invited to participate in the discussions.
Putin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, praised US-Russian cooperation in diesel and energy, writing on X that “Russian-American cooperation in diesel and energy will benefit the world.”
Source: AFP + Reuters
