Officials in the US presidential administration are trying to persuade American companies to accept Russian diesel fuel being shipped across the Atlantic, The Washington Sun reported, citing industry association representatives and other sources. According to the outlet, potential buyers are concerned about legal and reputational risks.
The newspaper's reporting identified at least three tankers carrying Russian diesel in shipments linked to the easing of sanctions restrictions under an October 16 order by President Donald Trump. As of its October 29 publication, the outlet had not established which end buyers, if any, had agreed to take delivery of the fuel.
The US Treasury told The Washington Sun that the general licensing mechanism was consistent with its established practice. New Jersey's governor and Democratic Party representatives publicly questioned the legality of the transactions.