Russian diesel did not bring down prices at American pumps before the midterms. Now the first tankers carrying it could reach the US coast this week, but no guarantee exists that an American buyer will take the cargo. As Ostap Yarysh reports, the political promise of cheaper fuel is running into a legal and commercial fight over who will actually handle Putin’s diesel.
The Paper Trail
Last week, a bipartisan group of senators told US banks, port operators and fuel importers to preserve every record connected to planned or completed imports of Russian fuel. Contracts, purchase orders, receipts, shipping and vessel records, terminal bookings, customs filings and payments could all become evidence in congressional investigations.
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin sent a separate warning to fuel importers. He argues that helping Putin sell diesel in the United States violates federal law, and that companies taking part risk being held accountable under this administration or the next. Lawmakers cite the 2022 law banning Russian energy imports. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has also warned port and terminal operators about possible fines or criminal liability. She urged them not to receive the tankers.
The Sale That Isn’t Selling
According to The Washington Sun, US administration officials have privately encouraged importers to accept the Russian cargo, including by offering substantial discounts. The companies themselves have little reason to rush. The potential profit is small beside the legal exposure. One industry representative said Moscow and Washington are still looking for buyers. The shipments could end up going to Brazil instead.
The polling captures the bind: 61% of Americans oppose buying Russian fuel while Russia wages war on Ukraine, yet 63% say lower fuel prices matter more to them than limiting Russia’s ability to finance that war.
The polling captures the bind: 61% of Americans in a Harvard/HarrisX survey oppose buying Russian fuel while Russia wages war on Ukraine. Yet 63% say lower fuel prices matter more to them than limiting Russia’s ability to finance that war. Trump’s diesel pitch was supposed to make that trade-off look easy. Instead, prices rose, the ships are approaching, and the people needed to unload and buy the fuel are being told to keep their paperwork.