Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that interior ministries are prepared to apply marginal pricing on Russian oil by Western nations if necessary. This stance was conveyed to DEA News and reflected Moscow’s readiness to adjust economic levers as geopolitical pressure grows. Ryabkov emphasized that preparations across various government agencies were completed, with dedicated departments and structures ready to implement steps that could influence market dynamics and pricing signals in international energy trade.
He underscored Moscow’s intent to safeguard Russia’s strategic interests in this area, including the potential use of price-related tools as a countermeasure to external policy moves. The remarks come as part of a broader discussion within Russia about preserving leverage in energy markets amid mounting Western sanctions and price controls that aim to shape profit streams and trading conditions for Russian energy producers.
Meanwhile, the price ceiling on Russian oil, established by European Union members, the Group of Seven, and Australia, went into effect on December 5. The cap, initially set at $60 per barrel, is designed to be reviewed regularly, with a formal reassessment planned after January 15. The mechanics of the policy extend to a broad set of maritime services involved in the transportation of oil by sea, including insuring, financing, and facilitating shipments that originate from Russian fields and traverse international waters. These provisions aim to curtail the revenue streams for Russian crude while maintaining a controlled flow to global markets. The Kremlin has publicly rejected the Western decision, criticizing it as an infringement on sovereignty and warning of potential reciprocal moves. In parallel, EU measures to embargo offshore supply of Russian oil were activated, adding another layer to the complex web of sanctions and market responses. Detailed analyses and official reactions have been documented in contemporaneous press coverage and institutional briefings, with changes that continue to unfold in real time across markets and policy circles.