Russian refiners ramp up diesel output after US deal
USO•Russian refiners have raised diesel production toward 180,000 tons per day after the government issued export quotas tied to a deal to supply fuel to the United States and global markets. Sources said at least 40,000 tons per day could be available for export.
1. Output rises after quotas
Russian diesel output fell to about 160,000 tons per day in the first half of October, from 175,000 tons per day in September, before rising toward 180,000 tons per day after export quotas arrived mid-month. The government began allowing exemptions to its diesel export ban from October 1 to enable supplies under the deal.
2. Exports and deliveries
President Donald Trump said Russia would deliver more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons afterward. He said a further 3 million tons could be supplied depending on refinery conditions. With October consumption typically around 140,000 tons per day, sources said at least 40,000 tons per day could be available for export, though 200,000 to 300,000 tons may be needed for neighbouring countries.
3. Ban to remain in place
Sources expect the government to keep the export ban in place and regulate shipments through quotas while monitoring domestic supply and production. A tanker carrying 40,000 tons of Russian diesel bound for New York appeared on tracking systems on October 23; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said shipments to the United States would continue regularly after the first tanker departed.
