Russia, US In Talks Over Diesel Supply Deal After Trump-Putin Call

Russia and the United States are negotiating agreements for diesel supply following an announcement by US President Donald Trump that he had reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak disclosed the development on Wednesday, saying discussions were ongoing between Russia’s Ministry of Energy and the US Department of Energy.

“Negotiations are currently underway for contract agreements with American colleagues between the Russian Ministry of Energy and the US Department of Energy,” Novak said.

Trump had earlier announced on social media that he reached an agreement with Putin during a telephone conversation, under which Russia would supply diesel to the United States and the global market.

According to Trump, Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by an additional 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes “immediately thereafter.”

He added that Russia would deliver another three million tonnes within a short period.

The announcement comes weeks after the US Congress passed legislation directing Trump to impose substantial tariffs on major importers of Russian oil and natural gas.

The legislation, however, provides an exception for countries importing less than 15 per cent of Russia’s natural gas exports, provided they have taken significant steps to reduce their imports.

The proposed diesel arrangement could therefore have implications for US energy policy and its broader approach to trade with Russia.

However, Novak’s statement indicates that negotiations over the supply contracts are still underway.