Two more countries, following the European Union, have lowered the price ceiling for Russian oil

Japan and New Zealand have decided to reduce the ceiling price for Russian oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel. About this, according to data Reuters, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and reported minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand Winston Peters.

Japan has also announced other sanctions, including asset freezes and export restrictions against companies in Russia and some other countries. They will take effect on Friday, September 12.

The country's Ministry of Industry emphasized that this decision would not affect Japan's oil imports, as it is almost independent of Russia. According to the Ministry of Finance, from January to July 2025, Japan imported only 0.1% of its oil from Russia, about 599,413 barrels.

At the same time, Japan continues to buy Sakhalin Blend, which is a by-product of liquefied natural gas production from the Sakhalin-2 project. This raw material is critical to the country's energy security, as it accounts for about 9% of Japan's total LNG imports.

In addition to lowering the price ceiling on Russian oil, New Zealand has also imposed sanctions on Russian entities involved in cyberattacks against Ukraine. This includes Russia's military intelligence, Unit 29155 of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff.

In total, the country's new package of sanctions targets 19 individuals and organizations, as well as 19 vessels.

UPDATED AT 11:40

The previous version of the news item titled "Japan lowers price cap on Russian oil and imposes additional sanctions" has been revised to reflect new information.

• On September 3, the European Union lowered the ceiling price for Russian oil from $60 to $47.6 per barrel. This decision was made as part of the of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
• The restriction was also joined by Switzerland, United Kingdom and Canada.