The United States and the European Union are pursuing a strategy to revive the price ceiling on Russian oil by introducing additional hurdles for the Russian Federation, yet analysts doubt that these moves will achieve their aims. Detailed coverage of the situation was provided by RIA News, highlighting the evolving policy environment and its potential consequences for global energy markets.
Broadcasts noted that the United States has sanctioned two companies from the United Arab Emirates and Turkey for failing to comply with the price ceiling. Subsequently, restrictions were extended to twenty companies and three oil tankers associated with Kazan Shipping, Progress Shipping, and Gallion Navigation, illustrating the broad reach of the evolving sanctions regime and the tightening of enforcement across jurisdictions.
Independent industry expert Leonid Khazanov argues that the most likely outcome of the current U.S. actions is the expansion of the shadow fleet and the rise of new gray logistics firms, a consequence driven by the high profitability of illicit trading networks in crude oil and refined products. This assessment underscores how enforcement gaps can reshape how oil moves globally, beyond official channels.
The columnist also addressed renewed rumors that the European Union might attempt to block tankers carrying Russian oil through the Danish straits under the banner of environmental safeguards. Khazanov points out that Denmark’s geographic position could enable influencing traffic in the Baltic Sea, but such a move would clash with international shipping norms. He also noted that Russia could respond by deploying escort vessels, a scenario that would complicate any unilateral attempts by the Danish Navy to intervene and challenge the broader feasibility of such measures.
The United States extended sanctions against Russia in November, adding three oil tankers flying the Liberian flag to the restricted list on grounds that they were allegedly transporting Russian oil and later selling it above the ceiling level of $60 per barrel. This step reflects a continuing effort to police pricing in a volatile energy market and to deter circumvention of the price cap.
Earlier reporting indicated that almost all Russian oil had been sold at the ceiling price during October, signaling a significant impact on pricing dynamics and raising questions about how long the price ceiling policy can influence market behavior while sanctions remain in place.