PRESIDENT Donald Trump struck a deal with Russia for the supply of diesel to the US and global markets, weeks after the US Congress authorised him to impose steep tariffs on top purchasers of oil and gas from Moscow. Trump thanked the Russian President Vladimir Putin for the major oil deal. Trump announced the deal on Friday after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move that drew sharp criticism from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Democratic leaders and a section of Republicans. Minutes after Trump’s announcement on Truth Social, the US Department of Treasury lifted sanctions on Russia for supplying diesel to the global market, including the US until April 7 next year. Trump’s surprise announcement came weeks after the US Congress passed a law on September 16, seeking to impose steep tariffs against top purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

 

“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He said Russia would supply another 500,000 tonnes of diesel in November, followed by one million tonnes immediately thereafter. “Additionally, based on the condition of their diesel refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 tonnes of diesel fuel,” Trump said. Speaking to reporters at the White House before leaving for a political rally in Syracuse, New York, Trump described the Russian energy agreement as significant for American supplies and global oil markets. “By the way, I think you heard about the oil deal with Russia. That is a big deal. That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country. And I want to thank President Putin to be honest with you,” Trump said.

 

“We have massive amounts of oil being coming into our country and it's diesel, which is what we want. So thank you,” he added. The announcement comes as the US battles high fuel prices amid the war on Iran, which has become a key issue in the midterm elections on November 3. Several opinion polls have predicted that it would be tough for the Republican Party to retain control of the US Congress in the midterm elections. Trump said the US’ control of the Strait of Hormuz, along with the proposed Russian diesel supplies, would bring down fuel prices sharply.