Trump and Putin finalize diesel supply deal to cut prices

On October 9, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to supply more than 4.8 million tonnes of diesel to the United States and global markets. This deal aims to alleviate rising fuel prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections.

Trump described the conversation with Putin as “highly successful” and outlined a phased supply arrangement to enhance diesel availability. Russia is expected to deliver an additional 3 million tonnes depending on its diesel refineries' operational conditions.

The agreement has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who warned that easing restrictions on Russian energy exports could finance Moscow's ongoing war. Following the agreement, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary license for Russian diesel imports until April 7, 2027, easing previous sanctions imposed over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This move follows earlier decisions to temporarily ease energy sanctions on Russia and Iran due to global oil supply disruptions.