South Korea Says Russia Fuel Shipments Not Banned

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Seoul: South Korea stated Thursday that its export sanctions on Russia do not apply to commercial petroleum goods, including diesel and aviation gasoline, following allegations that more than 176,000 tons of fuel were delivered from South Korean ports to Russia in July and August.

According to the assessment, which is based on port records and vessel tracking data, seven tankers transferred the fuel to Russia's Far East. Ukrainian sanctions official Vladyslav Vlasiuk accused South Korea of assisting Russia with gasoline shortages caused by Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.

South Korea denied the charges, stating that it has consistently maintained sanctions and export controls against Russia. The government stated that 1,402 non-strategic items potentially linked to military use require individual approval, but commercial refined petroleum products are not on that controlled list.

Seoul also stated that customs statistics from 2025 to August 2026 revealed no exports of diesel, gasoline, or jet fuel from South Korea to Russia via customs clearance. Authorities are investigating the vessels' routes and reported destinations, and action will be taken if any infractions or sanctions evasion are discovered. 

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