Andrea Innocenti On October 9, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented shift in energy policy toward Russia. With an executive order, he revoked the punitive measures contained in the Lindsey Graham Act, a law signed just three weeks earlier that aimed to hit Russian oil and gas importers with tariffs of up to 100%.
The suspension occurred just days before the planned implementation, right in the most critical period of the campaign for the November 3 midterm elections.
In the same statement, Trump unveiled a trade agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, dubbed the Russian Diesel Deal in the current international debate . Moscow agreed to immediately deliver over 300.000 tons of diesel to the U.S. and global markets, part of a broader commitment of 4,8 million tons to be distributed within the next few months.
The stated goal is to rapidly reduce fuel prices for households and businesses, a key issue less than a month before the November vote.
Sanctions lifted and Russian diesel resurgence
The order signed by Trump uses the Lindsey Graham Act waiver clause, a provision inserted into the legislation to allow the president to waive sanctions in cases of “national necessity.”
This move eliminated tariffs that would have directly affected Russian energy imports, opening a legal route for diesel to reach Western markets. The decision was presented as a response to pressure from American consumers, as the average price of diesel fuel rose to $6,20 a gallon on October 5th.
Agreement Details: Volumes, Timings, and Promises
According to statements made at the press conference, the first 300.000 tons will arrive in U.S. ports within a few weeks, followed by subsequent shipments until the total shipment of 4,8 million tons is reached . The strategy calls for the commodity to be distributed through existing refining networks, minimizing transportation costs. However, analysts emphasized that the mere availability of diesel does not guarantee an immediate reduction in prices at the distributor, as logistical and speculative factors can delay the impact on consumers.
Political repercussions and international reactions
The move immediately sparked a series of mixed reactions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed strong dissent, stating that any easing of economic pressure on Moscow could translate into additional resources for the war. His criticism comes at a time when Kiev is still heavily dependent on Western military and financial support, and Washington's decision to negotiate directly with Putin has been seen as a sign of disunity among the Atlantic allies.
European criticism and its impact on Italian prices
In the European context, the European Union had already reduced its energy dependence on Russian gas and oil by investing in alternative sources and diversifying supplies. The introduction of Russian diesel on global markets risks jeopardizing these efforts, especially in Italy, where the price of diesel stood at €2,25 per liter at the time of the announcement. Industry experts warn that the "price easing" effect will only be felt once the fuel has passed through the distribution chains, and not immediately at the pumps.
Fuel Price Outlook and the Future of Energy Policy
Trump has assured that the deal will lead to a "rapid decline" in prices, but energy markets are influenced by a multitude of variables—from refining capacity to storage strategies to financial speculation. Some observers believe the opening to Russian diesel could represent a paradigm shift in Washington's strategy, signaling a possible normalization of economic relations with Moscow. Others, however, see it as an electoral ploy aimed at wooing voters sensitive to energy costs ahead of the November elections.