U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright calls Russian diesel deal an “innovative” incentive for peace and says it could benefit U.S. consumers

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended President Donald Trump’s agreement allowing additional Russian diesel exports on Sunday, saying the administration sees it as an incentive for Moscow to reduce its war effort in Ukraine.

Wright made the remarks during interviews on CNN’s “State of the Union” and ABC’s “This Week” on October 18. Asked why the agreement was reached before Russia had agreed to scale back or end the war, he said Trump was looking for different paths to peace.

“He’s always looking for innovations. This is quite innovative, actually,” Wright said.

Wright said Russia currently has little diesel available for export because its refining capacity has been disrupted. He argued that if Moscow reduces the fighting enough to restore additional production and exports, allowing that diesel onto global markets could benefit U.S. consumers and other countries.

“If Russia can bring additional diesel to the market and export it, it would benefit American consumers. It would benefit the world,” he said.

Wright also said Trump had not repealed the sanctions established under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. Trump instead waived enforcement of major provisions for now, including new sanctions and tariffs that otherwise would have taken effect against Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy.

The White House has said the waiver is intended to preserve room for negotiations aimed at ending the war. Trump retains the authority to impose the measures later.

Asked about current gasoline prices, Wright said: “I’m happy they’re coming down.”