EU delays Russian oil ban amid market turmoil

The European Union has postponed the introduction of legislation aimed at ending Russian oil imports. The proposal, originally scheduled for 15 April, has been delayed to a later date, according to an updated timetable.

The move is largely due to turbulence in the global oil market caused by the war in Iran, which, according to available data, ranks among the most significant supply disruptions in history.

Brussels insists the objective remains unchanged – a complete end to Russian oil imports by the end of 2027. The ban is intended to be enshrined in law so that it remains in place even if sanctions against Russia are lifted.

In practice, the immediate impact is expected to be limited, as the EU has already significantly reduced imports.

However, Russian oil continues to generate political tension, particularly in countries such as Hungary and Slovakia. They remain among the last buyers and have long criticised the Union’s tougher approach.

(reuters, pir)