Russia sends first diesel tanker to US as prices near $6 a gallon

Key Points:

• The first Russian tanker carrying 40,000 tons of diesel has departed for New York following a deal between Presidents Trump and Putin to release millions of tons of diesel into the global market amid soaring U.S. diesel prices above $6 per gallon.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that regular diesel supplies from Russia will continue as part of the agreement made on October 9, which includes plans for over 300,000 tons immediately and up to 3 million tons in the near future.
• Trump waived most sanctions on Russia and buyers of Russian fuel under the Graham Act to facilitate this deal, aiming to lower fuel prices for Americans, particularly benefiting farmers, ranchers, and truckers.
• Critics, including retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro, argue that the diesel shipment is insufficient to impact prices significantly and warn that lifting sanctions may inadvertently support Russia's war efforts against Ukraine.
• The deal marks the first Russian diesel delivery to the U.S. in 2023 and comes amid political pressure on Trump from Republicans to address rising fuel costs before the midterm elections.