Reuters learns of US 'severest sanctions' against Russian oil

The United States plans to impose "some of the toughest sanctions" against Russia's oil industry, according to a document seen by REUTERS .

The sanctions list could include 180 vessels, dozens of traders, two major oil companies and some executives from the Russian oil industry, the document says.

Reuters specifically states that the document with the list came "purportedly from the US Treasury" and was distributed among traders in Europe and Asia. The agency noted that it was unable to verify the authenticity of the document.

Sources from the Indian oil industry also told the agency that more than 180 tankers involved in transporting Russian oil , as well as the companies Ingosstrakh and AlfaStrakhovanie, could be subject to sanctions.

On these messagesBrent crude rose by $2.5, or 3.3%, to $79.42 per barrel, Reuters writes. Later, by 16:40 Moscow time, oil rose to $79.83.

Earlier, Reuters, citing sources, wrote that the latest sanctions strike by the administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden could target Russian tankers that transport oil at a price above the price ceiling of $60 per barrel, and those involved in the sale. The oil price ceiling has been in effect since December 2022, and a price cap on petroleum products was also introduced in February 2023 (diesel from RUSSIA will be $100 per barrel, fuel oil - $45 per barrel). According to the agency, the restrictions will be announced this week.

The West has been imposing sanctions on tankers that are believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" for over a year now. The EU introduced the 15th package of sanctions in December, with restrictions on 52 vessels from third countries suspected of transporting Russian oil.

In response to the introduction of the price cap, Moscow banned the supply of Russian oil and petroleum products to foreign citizens and companies if the contracts “directly or indirectly provide for the use of a price cap fixing mechanism.”

The Kremlin noted in connection with reports of new sanctions that the Biden administration will try to leave President-elect Donald Trump "the most difficult legacy possible" in relations with Russia.

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