Russia’s government said on Thursday that gasoline and diesel production has risen as it moves to implement an agreement with the United States covering the supply of Russian fuel to American and international markets. First Deputy Minister Alexander Novak said the first tanker, carrying 40,000 tonnes of diesel, would depart for the United States the following day.
Deal struck by Putin and Trump
The shipment follows an agreement reached on 9 October between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump. Novak made his remarks a day before the tanker’s scheduled departure.
“Other shipments will follow, without a doubt,” Novak said. He did not specify a timeline or volume for further cargoes.
Output and reserves rising
A Russian government communiqué issued after a meeting chaired by the first deputy minister said market conditions have improved for both fuels. “Thanks to the compensatory measures adopted previously, the market shows positive dynamics for both gasoline and diesel: production has increased and reserves are being accumulated,” the communiqué said.
The government gave no additional figures on the scale of the production increase or the size of the reserve build. It also did not specify which compensatory measures it was referring to.
Related: Novak says first Russian diesel tanker to sail for US · Russia eyes 3-3.5 million tonnes of diesel exports by year-end
Source: Russia's government
