Trump Evaluates Potential Review of Russian Diesel Import Sanctions
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, US President Donald Trump, responding to a query regarding the transit of an oil tanker carrying Russian diesel across the Atlantic Ocean toward the United States, stated that he would evaluate the prohibition on the entry of this commodity.
Recalling the legislation enacted in 2022 that banned the import of Russian energy products into US territory, Trump remarked, "Perhaps you have raised a law that is not entirely appropriate. Of course, I will look into this matter."
This stance comes at a time when the United States government recently approved a license aimed at facilitating the supply of Russian diesel to international markets, raising the possibility that shipments of this fuel could enter the United States.
In this regard, Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey, wrote a letter on November 2, 2026, to the directors of ports and oil terminals in the state, warning them to prevent the docking of tankers containing Russian fuel.
Emphasizing the legal prohibition on importing Russian energy products, she warned that any participation by natural and legal persons in the unloading or importation of these shipments could entail severe civil and criminal penalties.
The New Jersey governor further noted that she would utilize all legal and regulatory powers of the state to block the entry of Russian fuel into New Jersey port and commercial facilities.
The roots of the current disputes date back to the US Congress legislation of April 8, 2022. Following the outbreak of the Ukraine war, Congress passed a bill titled "Ending Importation of Russian Oil," banning the entry of Russian energy products—including petroleum products covered under Chapter 27 of the US tariff system, which encompasses diesel.
Nevertheless, the US Department of Treasury, through General License No. 135 issued on October 9, 2026, temporarily facilitated sanction restrictions surrounding the sale, transfer, offloading, and importation of Russian diesel.
This measure followed an announced agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the supply of more than 300,000 tons of Russian diesel to the United States and global markets.
