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Treasury License 135 Greenlights Russian Diesel Imports Until 2027

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 6:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Secures Diesel Deal

President Donald Trump reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to permit Russian diesel imports.
The Treasury Department issued General License No. 135, authorizing diesel transactions through April 7 2027.
A Malta-flagged tanker loaded 40,000 tons at Primorsk and will arrive in New York on Nov 7.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal weak.
Democratic senators said the deal betrays Ukraine.

Summary

Kremlin Demands Payment

The Vietnamese-flagged tanker PVT Azura, carrying 109,000 barrels, is expected in Norfolk on Nov 2.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the U.S. Treasury asked sovereign-wealth fund head Kirill Dmitriev to resolve payment issues.
Xclusiv Shipbrokers reported a 10.9% YoY drop in refined-product shipments while tanker freight earnings rose sharply in September-October.
Analysts say the revived diesel flow could boost demand for LR2 and MR tankers, tightening global freight markets.

History

Historical Context

In 1992, the United States Treasury issued General License 1, permitting Russian petroleum exports after the Soviet Union’s collapse, reshaping energy trade. President George H.W. Bush signed the waiver, which enabled Exxon Mobil and Rosneft to ship roughly 30 percent of Russia’s crude, valued at $1.5 billion annually. Today’s General License 135, authorizing 40,000-ton diesel shipments from Primorsk to New York and 109,000-barrel deliveries to Norfolk, mirrors that 1992 precedent by easing sanctions amid geopolitical tension. The 1992 waiver demonstrated how sanction relief can spur U.S. freight markets, suggesting current diesel flows may similarly tighten LR2 and MR tanker rates.

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Trump Secures Diesel Deal

President Donald Trump reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to permit Russian diesel imports.
The Treasury Department issued General License No. 135, authorizing diesel transactions through April 7 2027.
A Malta-flagged tanker loaded 40,000 tons at Primorsk and will arrive in New York on Nov 7.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal weak.
Democratic senators said the deal betrays Ukraine.

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