The resumption of Russian diesel fuel supplies to the United States should not lead to price increases at domestic gas stations: after refineries completed repairs, there was a surplus of products in the country. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, explaining why Russia again needed exports.
According to Novak, domestic fuel demand is about 3.5–4 million tons per month, while the production capacities of Russian refineries allow them to produce approximately twice as much diesel as is needed domestically. Surpluses can be sent abroad without reducing oil refining due to a lack of storage space for fuel.
In order for our plants not to reduce processing volumes, since there is nowhere to store surpluses, we must supply volumes to the world market.
The authorities call the supply of Russian consumers a priority and expect to export only volumes not in demand domestically. Previously, restrictions on diesel exports were introduced to protect the domestic market amid refinery repairs. After the situation improved, exports were partially allowed again.
The agreement on supplies of Russian diesel to the American market was discussed by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump on October 9. According to published plans, the volume of supplies should increase in stages: more than 300 thousand tons in October, 500 thousand tons in November, then another 1 million tons. With stable refinery operations, exports could potentially grow to 3 million tons.
Russian exporters and American buyers are agreeing on the commercial terms of contracts. According to Novak's estimate, after their signing, fuel delivery to the United States will take 15–20 days. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that exports should not affect prices at Russian gas stations, as the domestic market is supplied with fuel.