Despite US President Donald Trump lifting sanctions on Russian fuel exports, US companies have shown little interest in importing diesel from Russia.
Reuters reported on Wednesday night, November 11, citing experts, that US companies are unlikely to be willing to import Russian diesel.
According to the report, experts say banks are unlikely to finance transactions involving Russian diesel because of legal uncertainties over whether the president’s temporary authorisation is sufficient to make such imports lawful.
This comes as a tanker carrying a full load of Russian diesel has been stranded off the eastern coast of the United States.
Experts say there are also operational challenges, as importers would need to blend Russian diesel with other products to ensure it meets US standards for heating fuel.
Last month, US lawmakers from both parties criticised Trump’s decision to temporarily lift certain provisions of legislation imposed on Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Nevertheless, a US administration official said the temporary waiver had been issued in accordance with all applicable laws, but finding an importer in the United States willing to proceed with such a transaction could prove difficult.
