New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill told the Financial Times she was exploring lawful ways to prevent Russian diesel fuel from being unloaded at ports in the state. No ban has been imposed, and it remains unclear whether the state administration has the authority to take such action.
According to the Financial Times, three tankers carrying approximately 140,000 metric tons of Russian diesel are heading toward the US Atlantic coast. Two of the vessels were previously sanctioned. The shipments became possible after a temporary easing of US restrictions.
Industry sources told the newspaper that some buyers and companies involved in shipping services were avoiding such cargoes because of legal and reputational risks. US authorization for transactions does not necessarily mean private companies are willing to handle the fuel.