EU sanctions allow seizure and sale of Russian oil from shadow‑fleet tankers

The European Union adopted a new provision in its 21st sanctions package that authorises member states to confiscate and sell Russian crude and grain carried by vessels identified as part of a “shadow fleet” that evades sanctions. Under the rule, cargo can be seized after a tanker is detained in a maritime operation, and the proceeds are not returned to the Russian owners. The package also imposes a price cap of $44 per barrel on Russian oil for one year, aiming to cut Kremlin revenues by an estimated $3.5 billion annually.

More than 670 tankers are now listed on the EU blacklist. In March, Belgian authorities stopped a tanker in the North Sea carrying about 330,000 barrels, a cargo valued at roughly $26 million at current prices. French forces intercepted a vessel from Murmansk with 600,000 barrels, potentially worth $48 million. EU foreign‑policy chief Kaja Kallas said the measures target illegal voyages that fund Russia’s war effort.

Analysts note the mechanism resembles anti‑piracy actions and raise questions about its practical implementation, as some seized ships have been released after short detention without the oil ever being sold.