Jeanne Shaheen wants to find out who is buying Russian diesel for the US

WASHINGTON, 26 October 2026 – Russian tankers are heading across the Baltic Sea towards American ports. No one yet knows who is buying the diesel, and Congress wants answers.

The tankers

The first major cargo left Primorsk on 22 October. According to Reuters, the tanker Agioi Fanendes carried 40,000 tonnes of diesel and was originally bound for New York. The ship later changed its destination to “for orders”, which means the discharge port has not been decided. According to Lloyd’s List, it was waiting off Skagen in Denmark on Monday.

Another vessel, PVT Azura, has set course for Norfolk, Virginia, with around 109,000 barrels, according to gCaptain. The fact that the ship is owned by a Vietnamese company does not reveal who owns the cargo.

The demand from Congress

Six senators and one member of the House of Representatives have asked six major banks and four port authorities to preserve documents about the trade. These include purchase agreements, invoices and payment instructions. The deadline for a reply is 28 October.

The initiative is led by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, with support from Republican Senator Thom Tillis. The letter does not accuse the banks of anything. Its purpose is to secure evidence.

Why is it controversial?

The lawmakers argue that the deal breaks a 2022 law restricting Russian energy imports. The Treasury Departmentresponds that a licence issued on 9 October, General License 135, makes the trade legal. The White House says the policy is meant to lower fuel prices.

The background is the war against Iran. According to the Associated Press, diesel now costs about $6.35 per gallon in the US, compared with $3.76 before the war. That is a problem for Trump ahead of the congressional elections on 3 November.

According to Reuters, Russia has already increased its diesel production. Critics fear the money helps finance the war against Ukraine.