Symbolic imageSenators from both parties challenge Trump's Russian diesel deal
Seven US senators, four of them Republicans, say Trump's diesel deal with Russia violates a 2022 ban on Russian energy imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says existing legal authority suffices.
On Sunday, 11 October, the senators urged Trump to "reverse course", adding that the administration failed to consult Congress as the law requires. Sen. Thom Tillis told NBC he believes Trump "may be" breaking the law. Bessent told Fox News the US will carry out the deal with the legal powers it has, saying it serves Americans by lowering fuel prices. Sen. John Barrasso defended it as a way to cut costs for consumers, farmers and truckers.
Volumes and price effect
According to TASS, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia will ship 300,000 tons in October, 500,000 in November and 1 million in December, while a US general license covers Russian diesel until 7 April 2027. Analysts expect little lasting effect on fuel prices.
Europe holds its line
Germany, the EU and Australia say they will not buy Russian diesel. German minister Karin Prien called Trump's stance a moral bankruptcy over a few litres of diesel, and Handelsblatt's commentary calls the deal a betrayal of Ukraine and Europe.
Other opinions
TASS reports Rep. Thomas Massie welcoming the deal and urging relief on all petroleum products; Iran's Tehran Times calls it a move driven by midterm panic.