Russia seeks to 'bypass' EU oil ban
(Baonghean.vn) - Russian oil tankers continue to enter European ports despite the EU ban, writes journalist Daniel Wetzel of Die Welt.
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| Illustration photo. Photo: AP |
The EU introduced its fifth package of sanctions against Russia on April 8, banning nearly 3,000 Russian ships from entering European ports. EU member states were allowed to make exceptions when it came to food, medical transport, or energy imports. But a month later, strict adherence to the restrictions is no longer necessary, writes Daniel Wetzel.
"Oil transactions by Russian transnational energy corporations Rosneft and Lukoil continue to be formalized through European ports without any obstacles."
Greece, which has the world's largest tanker fleet, is helping to circumvent Russian sanctions, he said. Unlike other European and American shipowners, local shipowners are expanding their business with Russia. For example, in late April, the supertanker Nissos Rhenia loaded Russian oil in the port of Rotterdam and headed to Singapore. Shipments to India, China and South Korea are also increasing, while freight rates have tripled.
According to Lloyd's Insurance Company, in April, 190 oil tankers left the ports of Primorsk, St. Petersburg, Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk, 76 of which were Greek-flagged. That is, compared to last year, Greece has tripled its market share in Russian oil transportation.
Greece opposes an oil embargo on Russia, which would have to be included in the sixth package of sanctions, according to journalist Daniel Wetzel.
On May 4, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that within the framework of the upcoming sixth package of sanctions, the Commission will propose a ban on Russian oil imports into the EU. According to her, this will be a gradual process, until the end of 2022. European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer clarified that the proposed oil embargo takes into account that some EU countries are more dependent on Russian energy than other members of the community.
According to media reports, EU permanent representatives have not yet reached an agreement on the embargo, and the sixth package of sanctions is expected to be completed by today, May 9 at the latest./.
