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Shell was caught secretly importing oil from Russia and received criticism from the Ukrainian Foreign Minister who said, “Don’t you (Shell) smell Ukrainian blood in Russian oil?” Photo/Dock Reuters
This statement confirms that Shell has purchased crude oil cargo Russia on Friday, citing ‘no alternative’. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lashed out at the energy company, asking on Twitter: “Don’t you smell Ukrainian blood in Russian oil?”
So far Western countries have not imposed sanctions on Russian oil imports. There are fears that if the emergo policy is adopted, it will increase energy prices which are already high around the world.
But on Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was currently in active discussions with European partners about a temporary ban as well as maintaining a “stable global supply”.
Russia is the world’s second largest crude oil producer after Saudi Arabia, and supplies about a third of Europe’s needs.
Meanwhile Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on his official Twitter: “I was informed that Shell secretly bought some Russian oil yesterday. One question for @Shell Doesn’t Russian oil smell of Ukrainian blood to you? awareness around the world that multinational companies cut off all business relations with Russia,” he wrote.
Commenting on the import decision, Shell said it was forced to buy oil from Russia to maintain a timely supply of fuel to Europe. The company said it was shocked by the war going on in Ukraine and had stopped most business activities involving Russian oil.
But Shell added that the supply-related situation is complex. As is well known, Russian oil currently makes up about 8% of Shell’s supply. One of the company’s refineries, which produces diesel and gasoline and other products, is also among the largest in Europe.
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