Britain extends sanctions against Russia's oil industry
On 18 December, the UK significantly tightened sanctions against Russia by expanding restrictions on the oil industry. The updated sanctions list includes five individuals and 19 legal entities, including Russian oil companies Tatneft, Russneft, Russneftegaz and NOC Oil. It is reported by The Public with reference to DW.
The restrictions also include Textile Service, Vata Factory, Emirates' Saphira Energy, Fergana Chemical Plant, and Uzbek Gelion Business Trade and Chemistry International. According to Bloomberg, the sanctioned individuals include Pakistani oil tycoon Murtaza Lakhani, who is considered an influential player in the Russian energy sector.
All in all, the new sanctions cover 24 names. All the companies' assets in British banks are subject to freezing, and individuals are banned from entering the country.
The increased pressure follows October's sanctions against Russia's largest oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which were also previously subject to US restrictions. London says it will continue to coordinate sanctions policy with partners to reduce the Kremlin's oil revenues.
