The tanker Agioi Fanendes, flying the Maltese flag, is on its way to New York as the first vessel carrying Russian diesel to the United States since 2022. The tanker departed from the port of Primorsk, Russia, on October 22, 2026, and is expected to arrive at its destination on November 6 or 7. The cargo capacity of this tanker is approximately 40,000 tons of diesel.
Details of the diesel shipment
Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, announced on October 23, 2026, that the first tanker carrying Russian diesel to the United States has been dispatched, and subsequent shipments are expected to continue regularly. He noted that the vessel is heading towards its buyers, but did not provide the names of the buyers or further details in this regard.
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Market implications and reactions
Market analysts believe that the shipment of this volume of diesel to the United States may mean a shift in volumes from Brazil rather than a real increase in flows. According to a diesel trader in Europe, these changes are merely a logistical shift in the product's destination, and significant increases in flows are needed to impact the European market.
Additionally, reports of new opportunities for tanker loading from Russia towards the markets of New York, Houston, and Canada are also emerging. These developments may affect the MR tanker market in Europe and increase competition for tanker loading, which could ultimately create downward pressure on tanker freight rates.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak announced on October 9 that the country is ready to export 300,000 tons of diesel to global markets in October, 500,000 tons in November, and 1 million tons in December. He also mentioned that by the end of 2026, Russian diesel shipments could reach 3.5 million tons per month.
In light of these developments, the price of diesel in the European market has also been affected. For instance, the reference price of diesel in Europe reached $1,479 per ton on October 22, which is an increase compared to the previous day.
