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Trump announces deal with Putin to release Russian diesel as prices surge

Senators urge Trump to scrap the deal, while energy experts doubt it will lower U.S. diesel prices.

Updated Oct 21, 2026 · 22:14 UTC67 reports

Latest update: A bipartisan group of senators urged President Donald Trump to scrap the diesel deal with Russia, warning it could help Vladimir Putin finance the war against Ukraine.

The short version

  • Trump announced a deal with Putin for Russia to release diesel to the global market and paused sanctions on Russian diesel.[CNBC]
  • Wholesale diesel prices more than doubled from early 2026 through September, and AAA reported a U.S. average of $6.31 per gallon.[CNBC · Al Jazeera]
  • A bipartisan group of senators urged Trump to scrap the deal, warning it could help fund Putin's war against Ukraine.[Fox News]
  • Energy experts said the flow of Russian diesel is unlikely to lower U.S. prices, and Zelenskyy accused Russia of attacking energy facilities after an announced energy ceasefire.[CNBC · Associated Press]

Key facts

  • Trump announced a deal with Putin for Russia to release 4.8 million metric tons of diesel to the global market and paused sanctions on Russian diesel.[CNBC]
  • Wholesale diesel prices more than doubled between the beginning of 2026 and the end of September.[CNBC]
  • The American Automobile Association reported an average U.S. diesel price of $6.31 per gallon.[Al Jazeera]
  • A bipartisan group of senators urged Trump to scrap the diesel deal, warning it could help fund Putin's war against Ukraine.[Fox News]
  • Zelenskyy accused Russia of attacking Ukraine's energy facilities after Trump announced an energy ceasefire.[CNBC]
  • Energy experts said the flow of Russian diesel is unlikely to lower U.S. prices.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • Experts doubt the diesel flow will lower U.S. prices, so the deal's effect on fuel costs remains unproven.[Associated Press]
  • Whether the announced energy ceasefire is holding is unresolved, since Zelenskyy said Russia attacked energy facilities afterward.[CNBC]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.