US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the bilateral diesel agreement with Moscow will lower global fuel prices, while emphasizing that all sanctions on Russian crude oil remain fully in force. Meanwhile, European Union officials acknowledged potential limits on future sanction packages, and Gulf Arab nations agreed with Russia to accelerate joint energy investments.
Global market
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on CNN that Russian diesel shipments will lower global fuel prices, benefiting American consumers and international markets. However, he emphasized that Washington has not eased any sanctions on Russian crude oil, restricting waivers strictly to diesel fuel. In European policy, EU officials admitted that February 2027 may mark the final opportunity to enact new sanctions against Russia due to dwindling regulatory scope, according to The Telegraph. In the Middle East, Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani announced that Gulf Arab states and Russia agreed to accelerate energy and investment cooperation.
Russia & CIS
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterized the diesel agreement as a strictly bilateral matter between Moscow and Washington, dismissing European and Ukrainian criticism. On equity markets, the Moscow Exchange IMOEX index held at 2,450 points, driven by gains in Gazprom and NOVATEK shares. Meanwhile, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the diesel framework as an innovative mechanism designed to maintain market pressure while stabilizing refined product supplies.
Armenia
US affirmations regarding strict crude oil sanctions alongside expanding energy cooperation between Russia and Gulf Arab states bolster EAEU market predictability. Despite discussions in Brussels over finite sanctioning options, retail prices for petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas in Armenia remain stable. Uninterrupted natural gas imports from Russia and generation at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant continue at full capacity under long-term EAEU agreements, insulating the domestic market from price volatility recorded by international market price assessments.