New Jersey governor warns ports against accepting Russian diesel

what happened

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has told local port officials and terminal operators not to accept Russian diesel, arguing that such shipments break federal law. According to a November 2 letter reported by Reuters, the warning comes as Russian fuel flows to the United States are growing.

Sherrill noted that Congress banned Russian energy imports in 2022 under the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act. In her view, importing Russian diesel could expose businesses and individuals using state ports to "harsh" civil and criminal penalties. The letter followed President Donald Trump's decision to license Russia to supply more than 300,000 metric tons, about 2.25 million barrels, of diesel to U.S. and global markets.

GasBuddy data cited in the report showed that diesel prices hit a record $6.28 per gallon on Tuesday, the midterm election day, the highest ever for any election day.

why it matters

For the diesel market, the episode signals possible constraints on Russian supply at a time of tight global inventories and near-record pump prices. If import restrictions tighten, pressure on domestic prices could persist, and the fate of the Trump licence will matter for traders.

market impact

US diesel: tighter limits on Russian imports add pressure on prices amid low stocks

• ▲US diesel pressure up — possible limits on Russian imports tighten an already low supply

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