Three tankers carrying Russian diesel are on their way to North America, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday.
Novak, in a statement quoted by Russian news agencies, said the cargos were part of a deal to supply U.S. and world markets.
"The first three fuel tankers are already on their way to the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, with significant support from the RDIF [Russian Direct Investment Fund]," Novak said.
Novak said Russian companies could supply 500,000 metric tons in October.
Under a deal announced this month by U.S. President Donald Trump, Russia agreed to supply diesel to global markets in an effort to lower fuel prices. The Trump administration temporarily lifted U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel that were designed to deprive Moscow of revenues for its war on Ukraine.
The deal as announced by Trump provided for 300,000 metric tons in October and more later.
A Reuters exclusive story published earlier on Friday, quoting ship-tracking data, said the first Russian diesel was on board a tanker headed for New York.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.