The Treasury's OFAC General License 135, issued Friday, authorizes the sale, delivery, and importation of Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027. Trump announced terms: over 300,000 metric tons delivered immediately, 500,000 in November, and up to 1 million thereafter — projecting 3 million tons total. Diesel futures fell 4% on the news but remain 110% above January's level. Brent crude slipped 0.3% to $104. EU and UK sanctions on Russian petroleum stay unchanged.
1
License Mechanics
GL-135 explicitly authorizes the sale, delivery, offloading, and importation of Russian-origin diesel, effectively creating a U.S.-only carve-out from the 2022 sanctions framework. Only the Treasury document is independently confirmed; tonnage figures come solely from Trump's social media post. The Kremlin confirmed Russia is ready to supply global markets but issued no tonnage figures of its own.
2
Market Impact
Nymex ULSD diesel fell 4% Friday but remains 110% above its January level. Analysts note the U.S. consumes roughly 18 million metric tons of diesel monthly; the initial 300,000-ton tranche covers less than two days of domestic demand. One market analyst said the signaling effect dwarfs the supply effect. Brent held at $104 as Houthi strikes and Hurricane Isaias kept Gulf output constrained.
3
Ukraine Fallout
Trump simultaneously pressured Zelensky to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries, saying he had 'better damn well stop,' and suggested Ukraine should 'get a new president.' Russian missiles killed at least 11 in eastern Ukraine Friday night. Zelensky did not respond to the leadership demand publicly. The Washington Post noted Trump's Ukraine broadside came one day after praising Putin.
Russian diesel entering U.S. markets marks the largest sanctions concession since 2022. Five weeks to midterms — voters will grade this move at the pump before they grade it at the polls.
Key FAQ
Q1: What exactly does OFAC GL-135 allow?
It authorizes the sale, delivery, and import of Russian-origin diesel through April 7, 2027. First tranche: 300,000 metric tons immediately; 500,000 in November; up to 3 million total.
Q2: Will diesel futures falling 4% translate to pump savings?
Minimal impact. The U.S. consumes roughly 18 million metric tons monthly; the 300,000-ton first tranche covers less than two days of demand. Analysts called it a signaling move, not a supply fix.
Q3: Did the UK or EU follow the U.S. in easing Russian diesel sanctions?
No. UK and EU sanctions on Russian petroleum remain unchanged. OFAC GL-135 is a U.S.-only carve-out from the 2022 Western sanctions framework.
Sources
- ✓ NBC News — Trump eases Russia sanctions, says Putin will release diesel amid massive price spikes — 2026-10-09
- ✓ Bloomberg — Trump Says Putin Agreed to Release Russian Diesel to Global Market — 2026-10-09
- ✓ Washington Post — Trump says Putin will export diesel in bid to lower prices — 2026-10-09
- ✓ Al Jazeera — Why is US turning to Russia for diesel despite sanctions? — 2026-10-10