Global diesel crisis prompts IEA reserve releases as Trump announces Russian fuel imports

Diesel shortages stemming from the Iran and Ukraine wars have pushed prices near records, prompting IEA reserve releases and a US move to import Russian fuel.

• IEA chief Fatih Birol urged member governments to accelerate releases from strategic oil reserves ahead of the agency's 15 October board meeting.
• Trump announced an agreement to import Russian diesel after Washington temporarily eased sanctions on the fuel until 7 April 2027.
• Trump blamed Ukraine's attacks on Russian refineries for the global supply slump, saying Zelensky "wants to make problems for the world."
• Global diesel exports fell to 5.8 million barrels per day in September from 6.8 million in 2025, with Middle East losses exceeding Russia's.
• Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia sold $320 billion in fuel to Europe since 2022 despite Western sanctions.
• EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that easing sanctions would give Moscow more revenue to fund its war in Ukraine.
• Bipartisan US senators criticized the diesel agreement as conflicting with a US law barring Russian energy imports until the war ends.
• Trump defended the Russian diesel deal, citing Europe's $250 billion in energy payments to Moscow and reiterating his 'America First' stance.
• Trump confirmed Russia would supply over 4.8 million tons of diesel under the temporary Treasury license.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the decision 'weak' as seven US senators urged its reversal.
• Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia could restore diesel exports to 3–3.5 million tonnes per month by year-end, exceeding the volumes Trump announced.
• Oil prices slipped Tuesday, with Brent down 0.57% to $106.04 and WTI to $93.27 a barrel.