Washington:US President Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to supply several million tons of diesel to the US and global markets over the coming months. This announcement followed what Trump described as a "very fruitful discussion" between the two leaders.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Trump stated that Russia would immediately supply more than 300,000 tons of diesel to the US and global markets, with an additional 500,000 tons in November, and 1,000,000 tons immediately thereafter. Furthermore, Russia may deliver an additional three million tons, contingent upon the status of its refineries.

This development comes in the context of a global diesel shortage, exacerbated by restrictions on fuel deliveries through the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Russian refining facilities due to intensified Ukrainian strikes. Moscow had earlier extended a moratorium on its diesel exports after repeated Ukrainian attacks on its oil infrastructure.

In the US, the diesel shortage has political implications as high fuel prices loom over Republicans ahead of the midterm elections in November. Earlier in October, Trump claimed that European countries had agreed to release significant portions of their diesel stocks to help curb rising prices, following an emergency meeting of G7 leaders.