The United States has granted temporary permission for activities related to the sale, delivery, unloading, and importation of Russian diesel fuel, allowing its entry into the American market until April 7, 2027, despite sanctions imposed on Moscow.
This license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) enables such transactions despite restrictions placed on Russia, but maintains prohibitions on payments made through the accounts of three Russian state financial entities.
In this context, US President Donald Trump stated that he had reached an agreement with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, guaranteeing the immediate supply of over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel for global markets, including the American one.
Trump added that, depending on the condition of its diesel refineries, Russia would additionally provide 3,000,000 tons of diesel fuel in the near future.
This determination constitutes a provisional suspension of US sanctions, allowing the resumption of trade relations with Russian diesel, including its import into the United States. The validity of this authorization extends until April 7, 2027, reiterating the impossibility of making charges to the accounts of the three Russian state financial institutions.
Previously, the United States had banned the import of Russian oil and derivatives on March 8, 2022, as part of sanctions aimed at reducing Moscow's energy earnings following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Although this ban took effect immediately, it was permitted to settle certain prior contracts until April 22 of that year.
The new directive emerges during a period of pressure on Republican leader Donald Trump, motivated by rising fuel prices due to the conflict with Iran and a notable drop in his popularity shortly before the US legislative elections.