Trump's diesel deal with Putin splits allies, and a Russian strike kills 12 in Zaporizhzhia
President Trump said on 9 October that Russia agreed to release diesel to the US and global markets: Reuters quoted 300,000 tons immediately, and the NYT said he spoke of potentially millions of tons over coming months, although Russia has a diesel export ban. AP said the move eases pressure on Moscow to cut prices before the 3 November midterms. Bloomberg's Chris Kennedy said the November shipment is about one day of US consumption. Zelenskiy called it an investment in war (Reuters). Germany kept its sanctions (Reuters, ST). On Saturday a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia killed at least 12, including three children (Straits Times); Kyiv later put the toll at 15 (ANSA). A Kremlin aide called the Trump-Putin call very friendly (Reuters).
It marks a sharp turn in US policy on Russia, just as fuel prices bite before an election, and it exposes a split with Kyiv and some European allies. Diesel drives freight, so global prices matter to Singapore.
Fuel and freight costs flow through to prices in Singapore. The deal is small relative to demand, so do not expect a quick fall.
Easing diesel prices could help consumers and calm markets, and talks with Moscow may open a path to peace.
Buying Russian fuel rewards the war, weakens sanctions and gives Moscow money, as Kyiv and Berlin argue.
The size matters: one day of US use cannot move global prices much. Watch whether the sanctions relief is written down, whether allies copy it, and what Kyiv does to Russian refineries.
DailyDrop Singapore edition No. 7 · Morning · SUN., OCT. 11, 2026