Japan to consider whether to buy Russian crude following US sanctions waiver
CNA
TOKYO, March 13 : Japan will consider whether to buy Russian crude after the U.S. issued a 30-day sanctions waiver amid the Iran war by taking into account international conditions and its national interests, an industry ministry official said on Friday.The U.S. waiver allows countries to buy sanctioned Russi
TOKYO, March 13 : Japan will consider whether to buy Russian crude after the U.S. issued a 30-day sanctions waiver amid the Iran war by taking into account international conditions and its national interests, an industry ministry official said on Friday.
The U.S. waiver allows countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea, in what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said was a step to stabilize global energy markets, which have been roiled by the Iran war.
"We will consider the matter in light of various international circumstances and Japan's national interests," said Narumi Hosokawa, deputy general-director for immediate crisis management at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Russian crude is important for a stable energy supply, but Tokyo must continue taking "appropriate measures" while balancing the Group of Seven discussions and broader international coordination with its national interests, another METI official said.

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