The United States temporarily authorized the sale, delivery, unloading and import of Russian-origin diesel, including its entry into the U.S. market. The exemption applies until April 7, 2027, although sanctions against Moscow remain in force.
According to La Tercera, the measure was established in general license number 135 issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Treasury Department agency that administers Washington's economic sanctions.
The license has limits. It does not allow debits to accounts held by the Central Bank of Russia, the National Wealth Fund and the Russian Ministry of Finance at U.S. financial institutions.
The decision followed a telephone conversation between President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. According to Trump, Russia will immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the U.S. and global markets, followed by another 500,000 during November.
The president added that one million tonnes would follow, then another three million over a short period, depending on the condition of Russian refineries. According to La Prensa Austral, citing Infobae, the potential supply totals up to 4.8 million tonnes.
Trump justified the measure by citing his priority of reducing domestic energy costs. According to La Prensa Austral, he aims to make fuel cheaper for farmers, ranchers and truck drivers before the legislative elections on November 3.
The figures require qualification. The initial 300,000 tonnes are equivalent to about 2.25 million barrels, less than one day's U.S. consumption of diesel and heating oil. In addition, no details were given on what proportion will go to the United States and how much to the rest of the world.
Washington banned imports of Russian oil and petroleum products in March 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, to limit Moscow's ability to finance the war. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and the export ban imposed by the Kremlin have helped keep fuel prices high.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski reacted sharply and linked the announcement to Putin's 74th birthday, celebrated on October 7. "It looks like a birthday gift for Putin. It is absolutely terrible," he said.
Zelenski said the measure would allow Russia to kill more people and prolong the war. On X, he wrote that "gifts to Putin will not bring peace" and called for reciprocal de-escalation with Moscow.
The announcement coincided with talks in Miami between negotiators from the United States, Ukraine and Europe to agree on a proposal to end the conflict. This Saturday, Ukraine reported that Russian bombardments left at least 15 dead in Zaporizhzhia, including three children, and 14 injured.
For Chile, a net fuel importer, a greater supply of diesel on the global market could put downward pressure on international prices. The sources do not quantify that effect. Everything will depend on how much diesel Russia actually delivers and the capacity of its refineries. The license will remain in force until April 2027.
