President Donald Trump said on Friday that he has reached an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply the United States with Russian diesel. The deal, announced on Truth Social, calls for an immediate shipment of more than 300,000 tons of diesel, 500,000 tons in November, and a further 1,000,000 tons thereafter. Trump framed the arrangement as a way to reduce fuel costs for Americans and the global market. He cited the United States’ control of the Strait of Hormuz and the deal’s potential to bring diesel prices down in record numbers. The announcement came as fuel prices have spiked following the U.S.‑Israeli military operation in Iran at the end of February.
Diesel prices are currently $6.51 per gallon, up from $3.89 a year ago, according to AAA. Regular gasoline is trading at $4.46, compared with $3.16 last year. The surge has weighed heavily on American households and is seen as a key issue for the November midterm elections. A recent survey by The Hill found that 78 percent of Americans blame Trump for higher gas prices, a factor that could erode Republican support and threaten control of Congress. Trump said lowering fuel costs is his greatest priority, especially for farmers, ranchers, and truckers.
The deal has drawn criticism from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said that any gifts to Putin would not bring peace or benefit the civilized world. It also raises questions about the United States’ recent sanctions on Russia, which were signed into law last month to punish Moscow for its war against Ukraine. Shortly after the announcement, the Treasury Department issued a temporary license allowing Russian diesel to be supplied to the global market. The move could undermine the likelihood of further sanctions as Russia continues its conflict with Ukraine.
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