Russia to boost diesel supplies: Trump

WASHINGTON:

Russia will supply millions of tonnes of diesel fuel to American and global markets, US President Donald Trump has announced on Friday, saying that the deliveries would rapidly bring down prices for consumers and businesses.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said he had concluded a "highly successful discussion" with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the two sides agreed on immediate fuel supplies.

Trump said Russia would immediately provide more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes immediately thereafter. He added that a further three million tonnes would be delivered within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian diesel refineries.

Linking the proposed supplies to what he described as US "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump predicted diesel prices would fall rapidly in the United States and worldwide. He said reducing fuel costs, particularly for American farmers, ranchers and truckers, remained his top priority.