Governor Mikie Sherrill says she is weighing measures to block tankers loaded with Russian diesel from offloading in New Jersey, calling the deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin corrupt, illegal and harmful to American consumers and Ukraine, especially as the midterm elections approach.
Three tankers, totalling about 140,000 tonnes, are scheduled to arrive after the midterm elections; the Agioi Fanendes now lists “for orders” while the Russian-owned Talisman, sanctioned by the US and EU, and the Hong Kong‑owned Leruo, blacklisted by the EU, UK and Canada, both signal Atlantic Coast routes. These are the first shipments licensed by US authorities under the president’s recent exemption that waives sanctions on Russian diesel.
The exemption was introduced to curb soaring US fuel prices and aid Republicans, but Democrats and a handful of Republicans denounce it as illegal under the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022, warning of legal challenges and reputational risk for companies handling the cargo.
Sherrill’s threat adds pressure on businesses urged by the Trump administration to import the diesel, while the legal authority to block the tankers remains ambiguous and could be tested in court.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing