In October and November 2023, Americans purchased small quantities, paying more than the established ceiling price of $60 per barrel. This is evidenced by data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), writes RIA News.
According to EIA, 36.8 thousand barrels worth 2.7 million dollars were imported in October and 9.9 thousand barrels worth 750 thousand dollars in November, while the barrel price was 74 dollars and 76 dollars, respectively. Experts explain that these are remnants of previous contracts. However, the publication writes that there is an opinion that we are talking about new supplies carried out through intermediaries, bypassing sanctions.
According to independent expert Leonid Khazanov, American refineries need heavy oil, which is not produced in the United States. And the main suppliers – Russia, Iran and Venezuela – are under sanctions, so there is a shortage. Importation is possible thanks to special licenses obtained from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
“In conditions of acute famine, Americans easily violate their own sanctions,” says Capital Lab partner Evgeniy Shatov.
In total, it is estimated that from January to September 2023, the United States will purchase 30 million barrels of Russian oil, significantly replenishing the Russian budget. The agency said the materials in question included the largest Western traders caught evading sanctions.
The day before the economist appreciatedHow will rising oil prices affect the dollar exchange rate?
Previously at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs statedThey have no news that the US is buying Russian oil.