Japan responded to the information about the import of aviation fuel from Russia

Japan warns about the consequences of bypassing sanctions on the supply of aviation fuel to Russia

The Japanese government responded to reports of possible supplies of aviation fuel to the Russian side through intermediaries, emphasizing that such actions violate sanction restrictions.

Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa stated that the supply of aviation fuel of Japanese origin to Russia, including through third countries or ship-to-ship transfers, is prohibited. This was in response to media reports that Russia is allegedly preparing to receive a batch of Japanese fuel through trade intermediaries. After Ukrainian drone attacks that damaged Russia’s energy infrastructure, Moscow is seeking additional sources of fuel.

Akazawa emphasized that Japan, together with G7 countries, has implemented export restrictions for Russia on a number of goods, including aviation fuel. He noted that the export ban applies regardless of the direct or indirect supply route of goods to Russia. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry actively opposes attempts to bypass sanctions, cooperates with businesses and foreign partners, and stresses responsibility for violations.

Earlier, Russia resorted to the supply of gasoline from India by sea, trying to compensate for the fuel shortage on the domestic market. The shortage became particularly noticeable due to the strikes by Ukrainian drones on Russian infrastructure.