Russian refineries are increasing diesel output in October after the government granted them export quotas under a supply deal between the Kremlin and the United States.
Source: Reuters , citing industry sources
Details: US President Donald Trump said Russia must immediately deliver more than 300, 000 tonnes of diesel (about 2. 25 million barrels), followed by another 500, 000 tonnes in November and then one million tonnes.
Since 1 October, the Russian government has introduced exemptions to the existing diesel export ban and allocated quotas allowing Russia to supply fuel under its deal with Trump.
The industry sources told Reuters that Russian diesel production fell to around 160, 000 tonnes per day in the first half of October, down from 175, 000 tonnes per day in September.
However, since the new export quotas were approved in mid-October, output began to rise, reaching 180, 000 tonnes per day.
Domestic consumption typically stands at around 140, 000 tonnes per day in October, owing to seasonal factors such as the end of the grain harvest and the summer travel season.
This leaves at least 40, 000 tonnes per day, or more than one million tonnes per month, available for export. Neighbouring countries may need around 200, 000-300, 000 tonnes of this volume, the sources added.
They also expect the Russian government to keep the diesel export ban in place rather than lift it entirely. Instead, Russia is likely to use quotas to regulate exports while monitoring the domestic market and changes in production.
Background: On 9 October, Trump said he had had a "highly successful discussion" with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin and reached an agreement on sanctions being lifted on Russian diesel fuel . Russia subsequently began resuming diesel supplies to Türkiye and Brazil. On 22 October, the first tanker carrying 40, 000 tonnes of Russian diesel fuel departed for New York. The vessel is expected to arrive in the US on 7 November.
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