Dhaka:US President Donald Trump is encountering significant opposition over his decision to import diesel from Russia amid the ongoing war in Iran, which has driven up global energy prices. The President announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, with subsequent shipments planned.
According to Ghana Web, This decision has sparked criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that the move violates US laws. Trump had recently signed legislation imposing sanctions and tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and gas. Despite this, Trump stated that additional diesel supplies from Russia would include 500,000 tonnes in November and a further one million tonnes, with the potential for three million tonnes more, contingent on the condition of Russian refineries.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed these figures to the state-owned news agency Tass, indicating that future exports could reach three million tonnes per month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the deal, describing it as an investment in a war that should end.
The US Treasury is reportedly suspending sanctions on Russian diesel exports until April 7 as part of the agreement, although other assets remain frozen. A bipartisan group of seven senators has urged Trump to reconsider, citing that American funds should not support Russia during its conflict with Ukraine. These senators emphasized that Congress had previously banned Russian energy imports to prevent financing Putin's war.
Despite the backlash, some like Republican Thomas Massie support lifting all petroleum product sanctions. Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the agreement, asserting it would help reduce fuel prices through legal channels.
The global rise in fuel prices, exacerbated by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, has become a significant concern as the midterm elections approach. The agricultural sector in the US, heavily reliant on diesel, is particularly affected, with current diesel prices averaging $6.28 per gallon.
Some international leaders, including Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and the UK's Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, have also criticized the deal, urging a focus on pressuring Russia to end the war. Trump announced an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, which was acknowledged by Zelensky, though Moscow has not commented.