27 Oct 2022 13:26

Estonia to fully stop imports of Russian petroleum products ahead of time, on Dec 5

TALLINN. Oct 27 (Interfax/BNS) - A resolution adopted by the Estonian government on Thursday regulates the procurement, imports and transportation of Russian oil and petroleum products, the BNS news agency said, adding that the document fully stops imports of Russian petroleum products before the end of the transit period declared by the European Union and bans such imports starting December 5.

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said in an earlier interview with the Postimees newspaper that Estonia must fully stop transit of Russian oil and petroleum products starting on December 5.

The European Union declared a transitional period for the imposition of sanctions on the imports and transit of Russian petroleum products, he said. The period is due to end in February of next year. The exports of such products to Estonia are now continuing owing to the proximity to Russia and its ports.

"The Estonian policy has always envisaged that this should stop as soon as possible," Reinsalu said. He did not rule out that Estonia would initiate a shorter transitional period at the European level.

He also said he proposed drafting a new package of sanctions and the instant, comprehensive application of energy sanctions on Russian oil and gas to the European Commission.