Australia has ramped up sanctions against Russia adding more vessels to country’s banned “shadow fleet”.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said as well as adding 95 vessels to the banned list, the Government was lowering the Russian Oil Price Cap.
Senator Wong said shadow fleet vessels were used to circumvent international sanctions and supported Russia’s war economy.
“They also pose serious environmental and maritime safety risks by operating under deceptive practices, including flag-hopping, disabling tracking systems, and operating with inadequate insurance, to enable the illicit trade of Russian oil and other sanctioned goods.
“With these additional listings, the Government has now sanctioned more than 150 shadow fleet vessels since doing so for the first time in June 2025.”
She said the decision to lower the Oil Price Cap, from US$60 a barrel to US$47.60,would drive down the market value of Russian crude oil and help starve the Russian war economy of oil revenue.
“Australia has taken this action alongside our international partners, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.
“Australia maintains its total ban on imports from Russia of oil and refined petroleum.”
Senator Wong said Australia had imposed over 1600 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
