Two tankers carrying Russian diesel to the US have changed course
The UK's Financial Times reports that two tankers carrying Russian diesel toward the United States have altered their routes. The shipments stem from a deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that has drawn criticism.
Two tankers hauling Russian diesel fuel to the United States have changed course, the British newspaper Financial Times reported, citing ship-tracking data and information from market participants. The shipments matter because they were part of an agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, through which the White House hoped to lower fuel prices amid a shortage of petroleum products.
Vessel routes
The tanker Talisman, which is subject to US, UK and European Union sanctions, had headed for the Mediterranean and is now off the coast of Algeria. It no longer lists the US as its destination, and its status reads "awaiting instructions".
The tanker Leruo, owned by a Hong Kong company and sailing under the flag of Sierra Leone, has switched its destination to Brazil. It is subject to UK, EU and Canadian sanctions.
A third vessel, Agioi Fanendes, belongs to the Greek shipping company Eastern Mediterranean Maritime. It continues toward the US but also shows the status "awaiting instructions". According to its owner, the discharge port has not yet been determined.
The tanker Taurus, according to tracking services, called at several US ports but most likely failed to unload its cargo. On 4 November it was at the port of Norfolk, then moved to Chesapeake Bay and called at Baltimore.
The sanctioned vessel Beast, owned by a company from the Seychelles, loaded diesel on 27 October at the port of Primorsk in Russia's Leningrad region and headed for the Atlantic Ocean. It lists the US Atlantic coast as its destination.
Criticism of the deal
Trump and Putin agreed on the diesel deliveries a few weeks before the US midterm elections. The arrangement was criticised by Democrats and some Republicans. Lawmakers questioned its legality and demanded that it be cancelled.
