EurOil: Italy vows not to stand in way of EU sanctions on Russian LNG

Italy’s Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin says Italy has “no reason to oppose a process of new sanctions" placed on LNG from Russia, Politico reported on April 26.

The comment comes as calls mount among member states for the European Union to take against Russian LNG in future sanctions packages against Russia in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine.

Already 13 sanctions packages have been executed against Russia in an attempt to weaken Russia’s economic strength and its ability to fund the war against Ukraine. However, until now the bloc has shied away from enforcing restrictions on importing Russian LNG.

In April, the EU took its steps towards a potential ban with the European Parliament voting in support of new rules which will allow member states’ governments to block imports of Russian LNG by restricting Russian firms from booking capacity at gas infrastructure.

Meanwhile, EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis has indicated a 14th sanctions package is currently being worked on, while Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom has suggested the package may include a ban on importing Russian LNG.

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