On Friday, the Spanish government announced the opening of an investigation into the possible entry of Russian oil into its territory through third countries, calling for a joint European response to “strengthen the tracking” of fuel imports, reports AFP.

“In the face of the slightest suspicion, it is necessary to check whether the imported products really come from the specified place or from another country, and whether there was any violation,” explained the Minister of Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera in a sent message. for AFP.

“This fear” is what forced Spain to “investigate” the possible entry of oil of Russian origin into its territory, the minister added, recalling that the import of fuel “is theoretically accompanied by documents confirming its origin.”

The European Union banned the import of Russian oil products into its territory on February 5 as part of a new package of sanctions adopted in response to Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine, which began in 2022.

But oil industry experts and officials suspect that Russia, which has turned to other markets such as China and India, is still exporting oil to the EU through third countries where its origin is hidden.

Morocco suspiciously increased imports of Russian oil

“Russian diesel fuel continues to circulate on the European and Spanish markets,” Josu Ion Imaz, CEO of Spanish oil giant Repsol, said on Thursday, urging EU authorities to be “firm” on the issue.

In its Friday edition, Spanish daily El Mundo draws attention to the responsibility of Morocco, which it says has significantly increased its imports of Russian oil in recent months, while it has begun exporting diesel to Spain.

“The first elements” reported by the importers “show that everything is probably in order and that the products do not come from Russia, but we are vigilant and will closely monitor the development of the situation to finally confirm this,” emphasizes Teresa Ribera.

Certificate for exit from oil refineries and ports

According to the ministry, Ribera will send a letter to Brussels demanding the “immediate implementation” of a European response to “strengthening the tracking” of oil imported into the EU, with a mandatory certificate at the exit from the refineries, as well as at the exit. ports

“This reference needs to have all the elements – volume, date, etc. – to ensure that imports are not subject to sanctions,” the ministry insists, calling to “remain uncompromising in the application of sanctions.”