In 2022, Russian export companies more than doubled their sales of liquefied petroleum gas to the Baltic States, part of which was then sold to Ukraine, Reuters reports, citing information sources among traders and carriers in the region.
“Reuters” data shows that the share of Russian gas in Latvia exceeded 90% of imports last year, and the total sales volume of liquefied petroleum gas to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia increased from 159,000 tons in 2021 to 331,000 tons in 2022.
Latvia and Lithuania delivered approximately 15,000 tons of petroleum gas to Ukraine in December alone – 15% of Ukraine’s total liquefied petroleum gas imports that month.
The reason why Ukraine buys Russian gas from the Baltic states is the price difference of 150-200 dollars per ton compared to the prices offered by Poland and Romania, a trader revealed to Reuters.
Liquefied petroleum gas (not to be confused with liquefied natural gas) is mainly used as a fuel for cars, for heating and for the production of petrochemical products. Its export from Russia is not subject to sanctions.
“Reuters” reminds that Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia actively support sanctions against Russia in connection with the war it started in Ukraine, as well as the Baltic states have strengthened the visa regime for Russian citizens. The Baltic states, together with Poland, have also demanded that the price of Russian oil be set at a ceiling of 30 dollars per barrel, which is well below the market price of oil and half the price accepted at the end.
