Story perspectives

Trump lifts Russian diesel sanctions with OFAC license waiver

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 4:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump announced a diesel import deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, lifting sanctions on October 9, 2026.
The Treasury’s OFAC issued General License No. 135, temporarily waiving diesel sanctions until April 7, 2027.
Senators sent a letter urging Trump to rescind the waiver, citing the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act.
Analysts said volumes are a drop in the bucket and unlikely to lower prices, which peaked at $6.53 per gallon.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014 the United States, European Union and Canada slapped Russia with its widest-ranging energy sanctions since the Soviet collapse, halting $1 billion in oil-related loans and cutting crude shipments by 30 percent within six months. The 2024 diesel waiver signed by President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin revives that pattern, reopening limited energy trade despite congressional opposition.

1 of 2

Story summary

President Donald Trump announced a diesel import deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, lifting sanctions on October 9, 2026.
The Treasury’s OFAC issued General License No. 135, temporarily waiving diesel sanctions until April 7, 2027.
Senators sent a letter urging Trump to rescind the waiver, citing the 2022 Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act.
Analysts said volumes are a drop in the bucket and unlikely to lower prices, which peaked at $6.53 per gallon.

1 / 2