Trump Eases Curbs on 4.8 Million Tons of Russian Diesel as GOP Pushes Reversal

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 18

Treasury's Oct. 9 General License 135 temporarily authorized transactions in Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027, after Trump said Moscow would release more than 300,000 tons immediately, 500,000 in November, then up to 4 million more.
Trump says the move could lower U.S. fuel costs and entice Putin toward a peace deal, but Russia has shown little public reciprocity and kept striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure after Trump declared an energy ceasefire.
Energy analysts say the extra supply is unlikely to move prices much: one estimate put Russia's exportable diesel at about 325,000 tons in September, down from 3 million in April after Ukrainian refinery strikes.
Congress is moving the other way ahead of an Oct. 18 sanctions deadline: six Republican senators joined Democrats to urge Trump to rescind the diesel deal, and 22 House lawmakers sought to revoke the authorization.
Critics warn easing pressure before a mutual energy truce could deepen strains with Kyiv and encourage Putin to hold out for broader concessions instead of compromising.