Three large Greek shipping companies, Minerva Marine, Thenamaris and TMS Tankers, have stopped transporting Russian oil in recent weeks to avoid US sanctions.
Reuters reports this with reference to four traders who showed delivery data. Greek companies are trying to avoid US sanctions imposed on some transportation companies that transport Russian oil.
Thenamaris said it does not comment on commercial matters. Minerva Marine and TMS Tankers did not respond to requests for comment.
All three companies were active transporters of Russian oil and fuel until September-October. Then they began to reduce their participation in transportation.
According to traders who have previously worked with the three firms, all three companies have rejected requests for vessels to load Russian crude oil in November and beyond.
According to the newspaper, this event is a blow to Russia, as it reduces the number of transportation companies that are ready to transport Russian oil to consumers in Asia, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa and South America.
However, traders say that Moscow still has enough transportation companies.
US sanctions for transportation of Russian oil
In October, the United States imposed the first sanctions against tanker owners in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates who transported Russian oil in excess of the G7 maximum price of $60 per barrel.
Last week, the US imposed sanctions on three more ships.
The G7 countries introduced a cap on the price of Russian oil at the end of 2022, but did not enforce it before.
The price cap allows Western companies to provide delivery and insurance services for Russian crude oil if it is sold below $60 per barrel. The limit is intended to limit revenues from Russian exports.
