First diesel shipment to US and timeline for restoring export volumes: statements by Novak

ST. PETERSBURG, October 21. /TASS/. The first tanker loaded with 40,000 tons of Russian diesel fuel is set to leave the port on October 22, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.

Russia could fully restore its diesel export volumes by the end of this year, which would make supplies available not only to the US, but also to other countries, he added.

TASS has gathered the main statements by Novak.

Diesel for US

The first tanker carrying Russian diesel fuel will leave for the United States on Thursday, October 22: "The first tanker is scheduled to leave the port tomorrow, on [October] 22, for the United States."

The tanker can carry 40,000 tons.

"Further shipments will follow, of course. As agreed upon by the two leaders, we will satisfy the needs of the United States to the extent of our capabilities."

The contract-signing process between Russia and the US on diesel supplies is "nearing completion."

Export

Russia could fully restore its diesel export volumes by the end of this year: "I would like to emphasize that we are not fully restoring exports at this stage, but operating within the limits of our refineries’ capabilities. Therefore, if we can only return to full [export] volumes by the end of the year according to the schedule, other countries will also receive the volumes they were getting previously at that point."

Other countries, not only the US, will also be able to receive Russian diesel toward year-end: "It will depend on the volumes we can supply beyond the needs of the United States. I think other countries will also receive diesel."

Supplies to other countries will depend on Russia’s plant capacity: "Therefore, if we can only reach full volumes by the end of the year in line with the schedule, other countries will also get the volumes they previously received."

Nord Stream pipelines

The damaged lines of the Nord Stream gas pipeline system can technically be repaired: "Three lines, as previously stated, can technically be repaired, should there be a need, justification, or necessity."

Supplies through the intact pipeline could resume shortly: "One of the four lines is in working order. If European consumers, or European countries and politicians, wish, gas could certainly be supplied via this line. It depends on the Europeans, primarily Germany, as the pipeline runs to Germany."

Power of Baikal

Russian and Chinese companies may reach commercial agreements on the Power of Baikal gas pipeline by the end of 2026: "We are waiting for our companies to conduct commercial negotiations. We hope that they will reach relevant agreements by the end of the year."

The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline has been renamed Power of Baikal "to distinguish between the names of Power of Siberia and Power of Baikal": "It is probably important to highlight the region through which the route will pass as well. The route will run along the southern shore of Lake Baikal."