New Jersey governor urges ports to turn away tankers carrying Russian diesel

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has warned port and terminal operators in an open letter published on Monday that accepting Russian diesel fuel remains illegal in the United States. The warning follows an announcement last month by US President Donald Trump of an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin that would let Russia resume diesel exports, which had been blocked under broad international sanctions.

Warning of consequences

In the letter, Sherrill said that taking in such fuel would breach US federal law and could lead to serious civil and criminal consequences. She stated that attempts to profit from illegal trade in Russian fuel would be met with severe penalties, and she called on operators not to admit any tanker that wants to use their facilities for this purpose.

Tankers approaching the coast

The statement comes as, according to media reports, the first tankers carrying Russian diesel are approaching the US East Coast. Sherrill's letter says at least one of the vessels may be heading for New Jersey, a major hub for importing and distributing petroleum products.

A law against the deal

Trump's announcement surprised Ukraine and its European allies. The agreement was part of the White House's efforts to lower energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections. In her letter, Sherrill argues that the deal is "in direct conflict" with a law passed by Congress in 2022 that bans imports of Russian fuel, including diesel.