Britain allows import of diesel and kerosene produced in third countries using Russian crude oil
¬ Pakistani expert: Russian oil supply to Pakistan will consolidate Russia's position in South Asia market
¬ European Commission: Despite crisis, EU won't lower import tariffs on fertilizers from Russia and Belarus
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According to licenses published by the UK Treasury, Britain has indefinitely permitted the import of diesel and kerosene produced in third countries using Russian crude oil.
The document states: "The ban imposed by sanctions against Russia does not apply to corresponding refined petroleum products… provided the product falls under any of the following HS codes: a) 2710 19 42 or 2710 19 44 (diesel); b) 2710 19 21 (kerosene)."
The license became effective on May 20 and is indefinite, but will be subject to regular review.
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Pakistani experts interviewed by Sputnik said that Russian oil supply to Pakistan would consolidate and expand Russia’s position as an exporter in the South Asian market, although Western restrictions remain the main obstacle.
Previously, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, stated that Islamabad intends to sign long-term contracts for Russian oil supply.
Munawar Sabir, energy and geopolitical expert, told Sputnik: "Pakistan’s intention to purchase Russian oil can be seen not only as a strategic shift in the country’s energy policy, but also as a reflection of changing attitudes among India and other South Asian nations when procuring raw materials amid direct or indirect Western restrictions."
However, Usama Rizvi, energy and raw materials market expert at Primary Vision Inc. in the U.S., believes that even if Pakistan shows determination, its leadership will still face significant resistance from the United States and the International Monetary Fund.
He told Sputnik: "For us, the biggest obstacle remains our relationship with the U.S. and the IMF. We simply don’t have much room to maneuver."
The expert pointed out another issue: Pakistan’s refineries are not yet ready to process high-sulfur Russian crude oil. Additionally, transportation costs, sanctions, and payment difficulties could add further pressure.
Vice Prime Minister Alexey Ovchinnikov said on Friday that Russia and Pakistan have long been discussing Islamabad’s access to the “International North-South Transport Corridor,” but regional conflict situations have hindered the implementation of cooperation plans in this direction.
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EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Safety, Jan Hansen, said that despite the fertilizer crisis, the EU will not reduce tariffs on fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus.
Hansen said at a press conference in Strasbourg: "We can partially alleviate tensions by introducing new suppliers—this is why we’ve slightly lowered tariffs on certain third countries, of course excluding Russia and Belarus."
The European Commission live-streamed the press conference on its official website.
On May 19, the European Commission announced its own support plan for EU farmers, but it did not include additional funding.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865662684957696/
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