ST. PETERSBURG, October 21. /TASS/. Russia and the US are finalizing contracts for diesel fuel supplies, with the first tanker loaded with 40,000 tons of Russian diesel fuel set to leave for the United States on Thursday, October 22, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.

"The first tanker is scheduled to leave the port tomorrow, on [October] 22, for the United States," he said, adding that 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," Novak added.

The contract-signing process is nearing completion, he noted.

Russia’s diesel exports are gradually recovering in line with refineries’ capabilities, the official said, adding that supplies to other countries toward year-end would depend on plant capacity. "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. It will depend on the volumes we can supply beyond the needs of the United States. I think other countries will also receive diesel," he said when asked about export destinations.