Millions of Barrels Imported, Critics Allege Refining “Loophole” Boosts Kremlin’s War Funds
In a revelation that challenges the efficacy of sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine, research suggests that millions of barrels of fuel derived from Russian oil are finding their way into the United Kingdom despite the ongoing ban.
The loophole in question involves refining Russian crude in countries such as India and China, where the resulting products are then legally sold to the UK, according to reports.
The UK government, while denying any direct imports of Russian oil since 2022, is now facing scrutiny over this so-called “refining loophole.”
The sanctions, enacted by the UK and other Western nations, were designed to curb the flow of funds from fossil fuels to Moscow.
However, critics argue that this indirect method of importing Russian oil undermines the intended impact of the sanctions.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlighted the refining loophole, emphasizing that countries like India and China, which have not imposed sanctions on Russia, can legally import Russian crude.
The crude is then processed into oil products, such as jet fuel and diesel, and exported to the UK and the European Union.
Isaac Levi, head of CREA’s Europe-Russia policy and energy analysis, expressed concern that this loophole not only increases the demand for Russian crude but also boosts sales volume and prices, thereby contributing to the Kremlin’s war chest.
Global Witness, a campaign group, estimated that around 5.2 million barrels of refined petroleum products produced from Russian crude oil were imported to the UK in 2023.
Of these, 4.6 million barrels were jet fuel, reportedly used in one in 20 UK flights. Lela Stanley, campaign lead for the Ukraine team at Global Witness, accused the UK government of complicity in the sale of Russian oil, asserting that every pound spent on such oil helps fund Putin’s brutal war.
The figures shared by CREA with the BBC estimated that, during the first 12 months of the Russian oil ban from December 2022, the UK imported approximately £569 million worth of oil products derived from Russian crude.
CREA and Global Witness claimed that the refining loophole indirectly provided the Kremlin over £100 million in tax revenues.
Most of these imports were traced back to three oil refineries in India – Jamnagar, Vadinar, and New Mangalore – along with nine others in various countries, including China.
While acknowledging the challenges and limitations associated with analyzing such trade, both research groups urged authorities to address the refining loophole and tighten regulations.
The reports underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach to sanctions to ensure they achieve their intended goals without unintended consequences.
As the controversy unfolds, questions linger over the impact of these indirect imports on the geopolitical landscape and the effectiveness of sanctions in influencing Russia’s actions in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members