EU Oil Imports Surge: How Russia Bypasses Sanctions Through Third Countries

The European Union doubled its imports of petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil via intermediaries in July, according to data from the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Despite existing sanctions and price cap mechanisms, EU ports received 18 large shipments of fuel during the month, compared to eight shipments in June. The logistics chain relies on third-party hubs—specifically Turkey, India, and Georgia—that process Russian crude and resell the finished fuel to European consumers. While these products are legally classified as originating from the processing countries, they are effectively produced from Russian feedstock. Import Distribution and Logistics Reports published by EUobserver indicate that shipments reached most major economies in Southern and Western Europe. Spain and Cyprus emerged as the primary recipients, each receiving seven tanker shipments. Fuel was also delivered to terminals in France, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, and the Netherlands.