US President Donald Trump is facing criticism over plans to import diesel from Russia amid rising global energy prices linked to the ongoing war with Iran.
Trump announced on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to release 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately for the American and global markets, followed by additional shipments.
The move has drawn criticism from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that the deal could violate US laws, particularly as Trump recently signed legislation authorising fresh sanctions and tariffs against countries importing Russian oil and gas.
Trump said Russia would supply another 500,000 tonnes in November, followed by an additional one million tonnes and a further three million tonnes within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian refineries damaged by Ukrainian attacks.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said lowering fuel prices for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers and truckers, remained his highest priority.
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, confirmed the proposed shipment volumes to TASS, the country’s state-owned news agency, adding that Russian diesel exports could eventually reach three million tonnes per month.
