Threats with a specific purpose: G7 puts pressure on Russian oil imports

Alexey Gromov, Principal Director on Energy studies of the Institute for Energy and Finance, commented to the Baltnews Internet portal on the G7 countries initiatives to tighten control over the "shadow fleet" transporting Russian oil.

"The trend of pressure on the Russian shadow fleet is increasing, and this is clearly seen in the actions of the United States, which the G7 countries are joining. But Russia is more comfortable working with shadow carriers, so Moscow will look for ways to overcome the restrictions that are created by the "Big Seven" states. It is unlikely that we will see an active redistribution of Russian oil exports towards European carriers. Moscow is well aware that carriers from the EU are more attentive to sanctions, so if in the future there is a threat of changing the rules of the price cap or other restrictions, then the Europeans will be the first to leave the Russian oil transportation market," Alexey Gromov said.

The expert believes that the biggest risk in this situation is speculation on the part of buyers. Today, many, with the exception of China, take advantage of the fact that secondary sanctions are being tightened against Russia and they are trying to get a discount.