Russia-United States: negotiations on diesel despite sanctions

Russia Russia and the United States have engaged in discussions to conclude agreements on the supply of Russian diesel. Moscow confirms these negotiations, as Donald Trump announces an increase in supplies for the American and global markets, in a context of trade tensions and sanctions. Russia and the United States are continuing their discussions in the energy sector. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Novak, confirmed on Wednesday the existence of negotiations between the energy ministries of the two countries, aimed at establishing a mechanism guaranteeing diesel supplies. "Negotiations are currently underway between the Russian Ministry of Energy and its American counterpart to conclude contractual agreements. A mechanism will be found to guarantee supplies," stated Alexander Novak. The Russian official also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between supply and demand in the energy markets, while preserving the stability of investments. These discussions follow the announcement by American President Donald Trump regarding an agreement reached with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, following a telephone conversation. According to the American leader, Russia must immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the American and global markets, followed by an additional 500,000 tonnes in November. Donald Trump also mentioned the delivery of one million tonnes in a later phase, and then three million additional tonnes in the near term. These volumes correspond to the commitments announced by the American president, without confirmation at this stage of their actual delivery. These energy negotiations occur in a context marked by trade tensions between Washington and Moscow. A few weeks earlier, the US Congress adopted legislation demanding the imposition of significant tariffs on the main importers of Russian oil or natural gas. However, the text provides exceptions for certain countries whose imports represent less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and which have taken significant measures to reduce their energy dependence on Moscow. Despite this context, the discussions between the two powers demonstrate a desire to seek supply mechanisms likely to contribute to market stability. For Alexander Novak, the proposals aimed at balancing supply and demand are favorably received by the relevant economic actors. The finalization of the agreements under negotiation and the actual delivery schedule remain to be specified. The agreement announced by Donald Trump comes at a time when the United States seeks to curb the rise in diesel prices. Washington has, in particular, temporarily eased certain sanctions targeting Russian fuel imports to facilitate supplies.