12 senators press Trump to scrap Russia diesel deal
Why it matters: Analysts say the promised fuel equals about 10 days of US demand and is unlikely to cut prices much.
A bipartisan group of 12 senators called on President Donald Trump to rescind his diesel deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing it would do little to lower fuel costs while helping fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. In a Tuesday letter, six Republicans and six Democrats called the Oct. 9 agreement a “betrayal” of Ukraine and US allies. Trump said Russia would release 300,000 tons of diesel immediately, followed by 500,000 tons in November, 1 million tons after that and another 3 million tons later if refinery conditions allow. CNBC reported the full 4.8 million-ton package would equal about 35.76 million barrels, or roughly 10 days of US demand. Trump has defended the move as a step to ease global diesel prices before the November midterms.