THE HAGUE, November 6. /TASS/. The deal between Moscow and Washington on the supply of Russian diesel has caused panic in Europe, even though Europeans themselves continue to purchase billions of euros worth of liquefied natural gas from Russia, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated.

"This diesel deal has sparked real panic in Europe. To some extent, I understand that. I was a little surprised myself," he said during a Dutch NPO 1 TV broadcast. The NATO chief refrained from commenting on the deal itself, citing the need to "maintain unity" within the alliance.

On October 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump held a telephone conversation during which they discussed the supply of petroleum products, among other things. According to Putin, Moscow confirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to American and global markets. The Washington administration has exempted Russian diesel fuel shipments to global markets from US sanctions until April 7, 2027. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told TASS that Moscow is beginning to lift the ban on diesel fuel exports ahead of schedule and is ready to supply 300,000 metric tons in October, 500,000 in November, and one million in December. Eventually, the plan is to increase this volume to three million metric tons per month.