Trump announces Russian diesel supply deal after call with Putin
Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin under which Russia will supply millions of tonnes of diesel to the US and global markets, saying the move would help bring fuel prices down rapidly.
Trump said he had concluded a telephone conversation with Putin on Friday and that Moscow had agreed to start supplying more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately. A further 500,000 tonnes would be delivered in November, followed by one million tonnes immediately thereafter.
Russia would then supply another three million tonnes, depending on the condition of its refining facilities, Trump said. The quantities announced amount to more than 4.8 million tonnes of diesel under the proposed arrangement.
"I have just concluded a highly successful discussion with President Vladimir Putin, of Russia," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The announcement comes as Trump seeks to reduce energy costs for American consumers, particularly farmers, ranchers and truckers, who depend heavily on diesel.
Trump also linked the proposed Russian diesel supplies to what he described as US "TOTAL CONTROL" of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global energy shipments.
"Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!" he said.
Trump said lowering fuel costs was a major priority for his administration, particularly for the agriculture and transportation sectors.
"Lower prices for Americans, especially our Great Farmers, Ranchers, and Truckers, is my Greatest Priority," he said, describing the agreement as a "very big and important announcement".
In the same statement, Trump reiterated his position that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, placing the issue alongside the energy announcement.
"Additionally, it must be understood, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon!" he said.
Trump did not provide details on whether Iran's nuclear programme was discussed during his conversation with Putin or whether the two leaders reached any understanding on the issue.
With IANS inputs