Trump promises diesel announcement as Germany keeps Russia sanctions

US President Donald Trump said on October 9 that there would be major news concerning diesel and that prices would fall, as fuel prices remained near record levels ahead of the November congressional elections. On October 10, Germany said it would maintain sanctions on Russia over its war on Ukraine after the US administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel.¹²³

US diesel measures

Speaking at a White House event, Trump said his administration had further plans for diesel. He predicted that prices would drop sharply and said the matter would be resolved by whatever means proved necessary. According to Middle East Eye, diesel costs were 70 percent higher than before the US-Israeli conflict with Iran started.²

Trump had pressed unnamed allies to release emergency reserves and expanded access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel, according to Middle East Eye. He additionally predicted that the conflict with Iran would end shortly. The report did not set out the details or timing of the promised diesel announcement.²

Trump said on October 10 that Russia would make diesel available internationally to help bring down fuel costs. The US administration also announced a temporary lifting of US sanctions on Russian fuel, according to The Moscow Times and The Straits Times.¹³

Germany maintains its position

Germany said it would continue sanctions against Russia despite the US action. Stefan Kornelius, the German government spokesperson, said Berlin had taken note of the American decision concerning deliveries of Russian diesel.¹³

Kornelius said Germany remained committed to sanctions decisions against Russia and was coordinating with European partners on further measures. He also said German support for Ukraine had not changed and that diplomatic work towards a solution would continue.¹

During a visit to Kyiv, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin would not scale back its backing for Ukraine’s government. The Moscow Times described Germany as Ukraine’s largest European donor.¹

Election backdrop

Near-record diesel prices carry political significance in the United States, according to The Moscow Times, which reported that they could pose a risk to Republicans before the congressional elections. The November 3 vote will determine whether Republicans keep their thin control of Congress, the outlet said.¹

The available reports do not establish the specific measures Trump will announce, the duration of the US sanctions change, or the scale of any Russian supply.¹²³