- Japan resumes Russian oil imports after a two-year pause, using a U.S.-sanctioned tanker.
- Tanker belongs to a shadow fleet operating under obscure ownership and flags of convenience.
- Asia’s oil trade realigns, with Japan joining China and India in sourcing Russian crude despite sanctions.
Japan has imported Russian crude oil for the first time in two years, using a tanker recently sanctioned by the United States. This move comes despite international pressure and highlights the growing difficulty in enforcing sanctions amid global energy demands, reports gCaptain.
The shipment arrived amid a sharp rise in freight costs, driven by U.S. sanctions on a fleet of tankers linked to Russian oil exports. Many of these vessels operate under flags of convenience or have unclear ownership, making them hard to track and regulate.
Japan Revives Russian Oil Imports
Japan’s decision reflects mounting energy security concerns and mirrors a broader trend in Asia, where countries like China and India continue to buy Russian oil. With most Russian crude now transported via non-G7-flagged ships, traditional supply routes are shifting.
The development raises questions about the effectiveness of current sanctions and signals that geopolitical realities may be giving way to economic necessity in global energy markets.
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Source: gCaptain
