Trump announces diesel fuel deal with Russia to address elevated prices

President Donald Trump said Friday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a deal to supply the United States with Russian diesel fuel.

Diesel prices remain a significant issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections amid the war in Iran. Trump administration officials were previously working on freeing up Russian diesel, which had been blocked from being imported into the U.S., as a means of lowering the price of fuel used in the agriculture and transportation sectors.

As of Friday, the nationwide average cost of diesel is $6.28 per gallon, according to AAA.

“I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, wherein it was agreed that Russia will immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel to the American and Global Marketplace, another 500,000 Tons during the month of November, and 1,000,000 Tons immediately thereafter,” the president posted on Truth Social Friday afternoon. “Additionally, based on the condition of their Diesel Refineries, Russia will then deliver, within a short period of time, 3,000,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel.

“Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST,” Trump added. “Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority. This is a very big and important announcement. Additionally, it must be understood, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon!”

Trump’s announcement comes just weeks after he signed a bill named in honor of the late Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham that sanctions Russia. The bill allows the president to levy tariffs — of up to 100% — on countries who buy Russia’s oil and gas in an effort to harm the country’s cash flow. Those buyers include China and India.

Even as the war in Iran continues, Trump’s negotiating teams have been exploring potential remuneration plans for Russia in exchange for stopping its own war with Ukraine.

IS TRUMP’S SON-IN-LAW AND TOP NEGOTIATOR A MIDTERM LIABILITY FOR REPUBLICANS?

White House officials previously confirmed to the Washington Examiner that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, the president’s top negotiators, were orchestrating a deal to sell off assets owned by Lukoil, a Russian energy company sanctioned by the U.S., as part of the president’s strategy.

One White House official said Kushner and Witkoff were negotiating the details of the Lukoil agreement alongside the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, which will include “a substantial upfront payment and profits interest for the United States.”