US Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended President Donald Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russian diesel exports, arguing the move pressures Moscow. Ukraine's president and lawmakers from both parties criticized the waiver. The dispute comes as the diesel shortage persists following Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the waiver of sanctions on Russia during a Sunday interview on CNN, saying it targets diesel exports only. He argued that Russia has been unable to export diesel over the last month or so because it is short of the fuel.
Wright says the waiver pressures Moscow
According to Wright, Russia can get additional diesel to export only if it turns down the conflict with Ukraine. He said Russia would have to enter an energy ceasefire or reduce its war efforts to free up more supply.
Wright rejected the idea that the move is soft on Moscow. According to Wright: "This is an incentive to end the war." On ABC's "This Week," he said Trump is looking for innovative ways to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Waiver follows a September sanctions law
In September, Trump signed into law a sanctions package targeting Russian officials and parts of the country's economy. Last week, he issued an executive order waiving those new sanctions, other restrictions, and some duties on Russia.
In early October, Trump also announced an agreement with President Vladimir Putin under which Russia would supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel to America and the global market.
Criticism from Kyiv and Congress
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the waiver seems wrong to him. Lawmakers from both parties also criticized the move, including Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who pointed to a law the Senate passed 86-11.
Tillis added that if the president wants to bring down energy prices, he can do it by solving the Iran problem.
Diesel shortage tied to Hormuz closure
Diesel and regular gas prices have risen globally as the US war on Iran drags on. Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz after surprise US and Israeli attacks in February, and the International Energy Agency said last week the diesel shortage could run into 2027.
According to Business Insider, Trump is hoping voters overlook high gas prices when they head to the polls in the November midterm elections. Higher diesel prices mean higher shipping costs, which trickle down to consumers.
Source: Business Insider
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