Russian diesel still not reaching America despite Trump-Putin deal; tankers change course

A month after an October agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel stocks to America and world markets despite existing sanctions, no diesel has reached the United States. This comes as diesel prices in America have nearly doubled since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war.

Russia sent out a total of four tankers loaded with diesel after the deal. Of the Talisman and Leruo tankers that left the port of Primorsk bound for the US East Coast, one has now diverted towards Brazil and the other towards the Mediterranean, ship-tracking data shows. A third tanker has changed its destination from New York to "for orders".

A tanker belonging to a sanctioned Seychelles owner is also reported to be travelling towards America. The traders' hesitation has raised doubts about the deal's practical future.