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Turkey plans to purchase some of the diesel fuel Russia will supply to global markets under an agreement with US President Donald Trump, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said, according to Reuters.
Bayraktar said the diesel arrangement was important for Turkey’s energy security.
Turkey imports energy from several countries, including Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan. At the same time, Ankara is seeking to diversify its supplies and expand cooperation with the United States and other partners.
“Russia imposed restrictions on diesel exports in recent months when it began facing these problems. Now it has reached a diesel agreement with Trump. As part of the negotiations we have held, we will take some of this diesel into Turkey,” Bayraktar said.
He did not specify the volumes involved or the terms under which Turkey would receive the fuel.
The arrangement has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European officials and some members of the US Republican Party.
US-Russia diesel deal
The United States recently temporarily eased sanctions restrictions on Russian diesel fuel. The US Treasury issued a license allowing supplies through April 7, 2027, potentially opening the way for Russia to return to US and global markets with millions of tonnes of fuel.
Moscow has said it intends to restore diesel exports to 3–3.5 million tonnes per month by the end of the year. Russian officials hope to return to pre-crisis levels and potentially exceed previously announced volumes. For the Kremlin, this could increase energy revenues and expand its access to international markets.
Washington’s decision also has a political dimension. Trump is seeking to lower fuel prices ahead of elections, and an agreement with Moscow on diesel supplies could help achieve that goal. However, the arrangement could also benefit the Russian government.
Trump has also signed an order suspending what have been described as “hellish sanctions” against Russia. These measures involve tariffs and other restrictions targeting countries and companies that purchase Russian energy.
