Trump plans massive diesel purchases from Russia, highlighting fuel's strategic role

Donald Trump declared his intention to purchase significant volumes of diesel from Russia, a move that would contravene current embargoes. Although diesel's share of the private car market is shrinking, the fuel continues to be essential for commercial transport, freight trucks, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment due to its superior fuel efficiency and torque output. The piece outlines diesel's disadvantages, such as the need for elaborate exhaust treatment systems and higher purchase and maintenance costs, yet emphasizes that it remains cost-effective for vehicles with high annual mileage and heavy loads.

The article also references the historical development of the diesel engine by Rudolf Diesel together with engineers from MAN in the 1890s, noting the distinction between standard automotive diesel and marine fuel variants. It concludes that neither electricity nor gasoline can currently replace diesel for these demanding applications, keeping the fuel strategically significant.