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US extends sanctions waiver for transit of Russian oil to China via Kazakhstan until 2027

The issue of increasing transportation volumes is being discussed between the energy ministries of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation

ASTANA, April 1. /TASS/. The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has extended until March 2027 the license granting an exemption from sanctions for the transit of Russian oil to China through Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry press service told TASS.

"Following negotiations with OFAC, the license for the transit of Russian oil to China has been extended until March 19, 2027. Work and further interaction with OFAC on this issue will continue. The issue of increasing transportation volumes is being discussed between the energy ministries of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. Thus, the transit of Russian oil to China continues on the basis of the sanctions exemptions provided. The situation is under constant monitoring," the statement said.

In December last year, RTVI television channel published an article on its website claiming that Kazakhstan was ready to stop the transit of Russian oil, fearing US sanctions. According to the channel, Astana had contacted OFAC for clarifications. At the same time, on December 15, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov told journalists that the transit of Russian oil to China through Kazakhstan is not paid for in US dollars and does not require approval from the United States due to sanctions imposed by Washington on Russian companies.

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