Import ban on Russian crude oil and petroleum products
As of 5 December 2022, countries within the European Union will no longer import crude oil from Russia. And as of 5 February 2023, they will no longer import petroleum products, such as diesel and kerosene, from Russia. The purpose of these measures is to ensure that Russia has less money coming in to fund the war in Ukraine.
Consequences of the import ban for the Netherlands
Because of the import ban, the supply of available oil and petroleum products in the Netherlands and other EU countries may decrease. As a result, the price of oil and petroleum products, including diesel, may rise. At this time, stocks are sufficient; there is therefore no threat of shortage.
Measures in the event of a shortage threat
The government is working on a plan containing measures to conserve oil and petroleum products. These measures will take effect if the threat of a shortage arises. In theory, the plan will be complete before the import ban takes effect. The main measures of the plan will be listed on this page. Other EU countries are working on similar plans so that, in the event of an emergency, EU countries do not exhaust each other’s oil supplies.