US plans to increase pressure on Russian LNG exports

The United States imposed sanctions on Russia's Arctic LNG 2 export facility last year and has since implemented additional restrictions on ships loading fuel from that plant starting in August.

As a result, no tankers carrying this gas have reached foreign ports due to concerns about potential US retaliation, marking a notable achievement for Washington in limiting Russian commodity exports, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

However, the US has refrained from sanctioning other Russian LNG facilities, such as Yamal and Portovaya, which continue to supply Europe and Asia. Targeting these plants could disrupt global LNG supplies and drive up prices.

“Our policy is working,” stated Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Jeffrey Pyatt. “While I can’t comment on future sanctions, I can assure you that we are closely monitoring the destinations of sanctioned Russian cargoes, and the Biden administration will keep tightening restrictions on Russia's LNG exports.”

Washington's focus on Arctic LNG 2 stems from its position as the world's largest LNG supplier, which gives it greater flexibility in influencing market conditions, as Pyatt mentioned in an earlier interview.

By Vafa Guliyeva