Brazil, Following The U.S., Has Rejected Russian Diesel Under The Trump-Putin Deal
- 12.11.2026, 12:29
The prices proposed by the Russian side are unfavorable.
After the U.S. refused to accept fuel from Russia supplied under the “diesel deal” between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, buyers from Brazil are holding off on purchasing it. The prices offered by the Russian side are unfavorable; diesel from the United States would be cheaper, according to estimates by South American traders cited by Bloomberg.
The Brazilians were offered four shipments of fuel, according to Sergio Araújo, president of the local importers’ group Abicom. Meanwhile, four tankers—the Leruo, Cerrado, Primorye, and Athina, are still en route from North America to South America as of mid-November. Together, they are carrying about 1.1 million barrels (approximately 145,000–150,000 metric tons) of Russian diesel. If the parties reach a compromise and the Brazilians purchase the fuel, this single purchase will be nearly double the total volume of diesel imported by the South American country from Russia in October.
As of 2026, Brazil is the world’s second-largest importer of diesel, purchasing about 45 million barrels annually. The country covers about one-third of its diesel needs through foreign imports. Moreover, demand in the Brazilian market typically peaks at the end of the calendar year, when the Southern Hemisphere experiences the most favorable weather for agriculture. Diesel trucks transport fertilizer, and farmers use tractors powered by the same fuel.
As part of the “diesel deal” announced by Trump on October 9, Russia was supposed to supply more than 300,000 metric tons of fuel to the U.S. and global markets in October, another 500,000 metric tons in November, and 1 million metric tons immediately thereafter. However, all ships, sailing from Russia to the United States with petroleum products changed their routes. American companies “did not dare” to buy Russian fuel due to legal risks and sanctions.
Following the failed “deal,” prices per gallon of diesel (about 3.8 liters) in the U.S. rose from $6.28 in early October to $6.35 by the end of the month. Donald Trump’s actions drew criticism from members of both U.S. political parties, caused the incumbent president’s approval ratings to plummet, and ultimately became one of the reasons for the Republicans’ defeat in the midterm congressional elections.