Trump Says Putin Agreed to Release Diesel Globally

President Donald Trump said after an October 9 phone call with Vladimir Putin that Russia agreed to release diesel to American and global markets. In a Truth Social post he said Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons, another 500,000 tons in November, and 1,000,000 tons immediately thereafter, plus up to 3 million more tons within a short period conditional on refinery conditions, for an announced total of up to 4.8 million tons. Trump said that between total control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Russian energy announcement, diesel prices will be coming down in record numbers and fast, and that lower prices for Americans, especially farmers, ranchers, and truckers, is his greatest priority. U.S. diesel averaged $6.28 a gallon Friday per AAA. The first 300,000 tons equals roughly half a day of U.S. consumption. Trump signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law last month directing tariffs up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian oil or gas, with exceptions for countries importing less than 15% of Russia's gas exports. How the supply plan would work given sanctions remains unclear. The call was expected to focus on a suspected plague case in Russia. A Ukrainian delegation arrived in the U.S. on October 9 ahead of trilateral talks. Putin's envoy met with Witkoff and Kushner in New York.