The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on the sale and import of Russian-origin diesel fuel until 7th of April, 2027, following a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The US Treasury Department announced the decision last night, authorising transactions related to the sale, delivery, unloading and import of Russian diesel fuel, including imports into the United States.

Diesel prices have surged globally amid disruptions to fuel supplies. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have affected production, prompting Moscow to impose restrictions on diesel exports. Attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed armed group Houthi on facilities in Saudi Arabia have further tightened fuel supplies. The move comes as US President Donald Trump faces domestic political pressure to bring down fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections in November.

Speaking to media persons outside the White House, President Trump said Russia will immediately supply more than three lakh tonnes of diesel, followed by five lakh tonnes in November, one million tonnes thereafter and an additional three million tonnes, depending on the condition of Russian refineries.

President Trump thanked the Russian President for agreeing to supply large quantities of diesel. He said the proposed supplies, along with what he described as US control of the Strait of Hormuz, would help bring down diesel prices. He described reducing fuel costs for American farmers, ranchers and truckers as his top priority.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, warned that easing sanctions without a lasting agreement could allow Russia to prolong the war. He called for stronger sanctions, continued military support for Ukraine and increased pressure on Moscow to end the conflict.