A tanker carrying 40,000 metric tons of Russian diesel is bound for New York, marking the first reported US import of Russian petroleum products since a 2022 ban, according to shipping data.
October 23, 2026 — The first shipment of Russian diesel destined for the United States under a recently announced agreement between Moscow and US President Donald Trump is traveling toward New York, according to ship-tracking data reviewed on Friday.
The Malta-flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes loaded approximately 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel at Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk on October 22. The vessel is expected to arrive in the United States on November 7, according to LSEG shipping data.
The identities of the buyer and seller were not immediately available.
If delivered as expected, the cargo would mark the first US import of Russian oil or petroleum products since former President Joe Biden announced a ban on such imports in 2022.
Agreement Aims to Ease Diesel Price Pressures
Trump announced the agreement earlier this month as part of efforts to reduce rising diesel prices ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections.
On October 9, Trump said Russia would immediately export 300,000 metric tons of diesel, equivalent to approximately 2.25 million barrels, to the United States and global markets. He also outlined plans for an additional 500,000 tons in November, followed by another 1 million tons shortly afterward.
As part of the arrangement, Trump waived portions of a new US sanctions law targeting Russia. He also threatened to restrict US diesel exports to Europe unless countries released additional fuel from their emergency reserves to help bring prices down.
The agreement involves Russia lifting its own restrictions on diesel exports, potentially allowing additional supplies to reach international markets.
Kremlin Confirms First Shipment Has Departed
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Friday that the first tanker under the agreement had departed, although he did not specify its destination.
Peskov said Russian authorities had reported that the vessel had set sail for its buyers and that further shipments were expected to continue.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has also indicated that additional deliveries to the United States could follow as companies from both countries finalize the necessary commercial contracts.
However, some practical challenges remain. Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who heads the country’s sovereign wealth fund, previously said the US Treasury had asked the fund to help resolve payment difficulties related to the agreement. A source familiar with the matter disputed that account.
Russia Resumes Diesel Exports to Traditional Markets
The potential US deliveries come as Russia rebuilds its diesel export flows following restrictions imposed by Moscow.
Since the European Union introduced a full embargo on Russian oil products in February 2023 in response to the war in Ukraine, Russia has redirected much of its diesel exports toward Turkey, Brazil and several African countries. It also supplies Central Asian markets by rail.
Recent shipping data from LSEG and Kpler indicate that Russian diesel cargoes are returning to familiar destinations following the lifting of Moscow’s export restrictions. At least two tankers have signaled voyages to Turkey and Brazil, while the destinations of other cargoes remain uncertain.
Ships departing Primorsk have also indicated possible voyages toward Gibraltar, the Atlantic coast or Port Said.
Russia Targets Higher Export Volumes
Moscow expects its diesel exports to increase further in the coming months.
Novak has said Russia could restore exports to its customary level of approximately 3 million to 3.5 million metric tons per month by the end of the year, provided companies complete the necessary arrangements.
The scale and timing of future US shipments will depend on commercial agreements, payment arrangements and the implementation of the broader deal.
For the US market, the arrival of the Agioi Fanendes would represent a notable change in petroleum trade policy. Whether subsequent shipments provide sustained relief to diesel prices will depend on the volume of additional supply, market conditions and developments in international energy trade.
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