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Tankers carrying Russian diesel change course, raising doubts about shipments to U.S.
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump's plan to import Russian diesel to the U.S. has stalled after state and federal officials warned of legal risks, and two tankers initially bound for the U.S. changed course to other destinations.
- The U.S. banned Russian energy imports following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, and the Trump-Putin agreement to allow diesel imports faced bipartisan opposition and concerns about violating sanctions.
- New Jersey's governor instructed ports to reject Russian diesel shipments, citing lack of authority for the Trump administration to override the congressional ban and warning of harsh penalties for handling the fuel.
- Despite a Treasury Department exemption authorizing the imports until April 7, no confirmed deliveries to the U.S. have occurred, and analysts doubt the imports would significantly reduce U.S. diesel prices.
- Russian and U.S. officials provided conflicting statements on the shipments, with Kremlin representatives affirming buyers exist and Trump's envoy denying reports of tanker diversions.
