US confident Russian diesel cargo off US coast will sell in global market
USO•Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US was confident a Russian diesel cargo halted off the East Coast would eventually be sold in global markets. The tanker carries 40,000 metric tons, but its discharge port has not been finalised.
1. Cargo awaits orders
The tanker Agioi Fanendes, carrying 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel loaded in Russia on October 22, had halted off the US East Coast. Its Greece-based manager, Eastmed, said the vessel was still awaiting orders and had no nominated or finalised discharge port.
2. US expects global sale
Wright said the US had no concerns about the tanker stopping and expected it to go to another port. “We just want that diesel going into the world markets,” he told reporters.
3. Legal warnings raised
President Donald Trump announced a deal last month to import Russian diesel, saying Russia would export 300,000 tons to the US and global markets, followed by 500,000 tons in November and 1 million tons “immediately thereafter.” New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned port officials and terminal operators that accepting Russian diesel would break federal law. Senators from both parties said US law bars Russian energy imports until Russia ends its aggression against Ukraine.
