Russia Signals Higher Diesel Exports to U.S. and Other Partners

Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell in early U.S. trading Tuesday as Russia outlined plans to increase diesel shipments to the United States and other partners, adding a potential source of refined-fuel supply while regional risks remained elevated.

Brent crude fell about 1.5% to $105.09 a barrel by 4:32 a.m. ET (8:32 a.m. UTC) Tuesday, Oct. 13. WTI declined about 1.7% to $92.11 at the same time.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia was ready to supply 300,000 metric tons of diesel in October. The planned volume would rise to 500,000 metric tons in November and 1 million metric tons in December.

“Russia is ready to supply … 300,000 metric tons [of diesel] to the US market and to all our partners as early as October,” Novak said.

He said Russian diesel exports could eventually reach almost 3 million metric tons per month.

The proposed shipments involve refined diesel, while Brent and WTI are crude-oil benchmarks. More diesel exports would affect refined-fuel supply and pricing rather than directly increasing crude production.

Russia’s temporary fuel-export restriction remains in effect from Aug. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2027. The policy includes exceptions for certain producer exports and intergovernmental agreements.

Energy markets were also weighing supply risks after an Oct. 10 attack on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia killed 12 people and injured 309. Houthi attacks added to concerns around regional energy flows.

The administration is also weighing measures to ease domestic fuel pressure, including diesel-export restrictions, additional Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases and a possible suspension of the federal gasoline tax.

The October diesel shipments are the next concrete step in Russia’s announced supply plan, with larger volumes scheduled for November and December.