Russia lifts diesel export ban, releasing 500,000 tonnes after Putin-Trump call

Russia's government partially lifted its ban on diesel exports on 10 October, authorising the release of 500,000 metric tonnes of diesel fuel to global markets, citing agreements reached between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.

The cabinet said Russian oil companies would "immediately begin contracting diesel fuel supplies with foreign counterparties in coordination with the government." Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stressed the move would not affect domestic consumers.

Putin and Trump held a phone call on 9 October that covered petroleum product supplies. Putin said Moscow had reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to both the United States and global markets.

Novak indicated that Russia will lift its ban on diesel exports ahead of schedule and is ready to supply 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel in October, increasing the volume to 500,000 metric tonnes in November and 1 million metric tonnes in December, with monthly supplies potentially reaching 3 million metric tonnes thereafter. The US administration issued a general licence authorising Russian diesel supplies to the global market until 7 April 2027.