Ukraine needs to take separate decision to ban Russian LPG imports – expert’s opinion

The embargo on Russian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports, coming into effect in the European Union from late 2024, will be unable to fully block the flow of such fuel imports to the Ukrainian market.

The relevant statement was made by A95 Consulting Group Director Serhii Kuiun in a commentary to Ukrinform.

“The embargo, which is expected to come into effect at the end of the year, is no guarantee at all that the flow [of Russian LPG imports – Ed.] will stop,” Kuiun told.

In his words, the embargo was introduced against a mixture of propane and butane. Meanwhile, Russia can supply propane and butane separately, and mix them on the territory of other country.

“We still need to take a decision [regarding the supply of Russian LPG to the market – Ed.],” Kuiun stressed.

According to the expert, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) should have taken a decision to prevent the import of Russian LPG towards Ukraine, but such decision is yet to be endorsed.

A reminder that, in December 2023, the European Union endorsed the 12th package of sanctions against Russia. The package included an embargo on Russian LPG imports, coming into effect after 12 months since the sanctions were announced.

In May 2023, Ukraine imposed a ban on the import of fuel of unknown origin to prevent the supply of Russian product. However, Russian LPG imports continue entering Ukraine through the Polish market. In addition, there are signs of Russian diesel fuel entering the Ukrainian market via Romania.