Australia says it won’t buy Russian fuel despite Trump’s diesel agreement
Australia said purchases of Russian fuel would remain barred so that the country did not benefit from the invasion of Ukraine, with climate change and energy minister Chris Bowen stating that Australia does not need or want Russian fuel. President Donald Trump announced cargoes beginning this month totalling about 13.5 million barrels initially, and is working with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release Russian diesel supplies into global markets. Bowen also said Australia held 43 days’ worth of petrol and 31 days’ worth of diesel stocks.
Why it matters: It sets out a divergence among allies over sanctions and energy security, as one government maintains a ban on Russian fuel while another works to release Russian diesel into global markets.