Russian fuel tankers dock in Australia: AFUO calls to close sanctions loophole

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has once again urged the Australian government to close a sanctions loophole that allows the import of petroleum products refined from Russian crude oil.

The statement comes as the tanker Torm Emilie arrived in Perth on Australia’s west coast, carrying approximately 69,000 tons of diesel fuel made from Russian crude via Indian refineries.

“Every day that Australian petrol dollars flow to the Kremlin, our values are compromised, and lives are lost. This trade feeds the Russian war machine, props up its economy, undermines global sanctions, and prolongs the suffering and destruction in Ukraine,” said AFUO Chair Kateryna Argyrou. 

The AFUO is calling on the Australian government to ban imports of fuel refined from Russian crude, enforce full supply chain transparency, and impose strict penalties on violators.

According to estimates, since February 2023, Australia has sent over $2 billion to the Kremlin from oil imports, exceeding the country’s $1.5 billion in aid to Ukraine.

Argyrou urged Canberra to follow the example of the EU, which will ban imports of petroleum products refined from Russian crude in third countries starting January 2026.

“Australia cannot claim to stand with Ukraine while enabling Russia to launder its crude oil through third countries,” Argyrou said.