OREANDA-NEWS  The European Union's position on limiting prices for Russian oil will not change, despite the US decision to allow the sale of Russian oil on ships, European Commission spokeswoman Siobhan McGarry said at a briefing.

"The Commission remains convinced that the price ceiling for (Russian) oil and our sanctions against Russia are fully justified. And they will also persist in the current situation of volatility in the oil markets," she said, answering a question about the EU's reaction to the lifting of US sanctions on Russian oil in transit.

"The oil price ceiling proved effective, it allowed us to limit Russian oil revenues and guarantee stability in the oil markets," McGarry added.

She also clarified that the EU perceives the US decision to allow the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products loaded onto ships as of March 12, 2026, until April 11 as an "exception limited in time and scope."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in the European Parliament on March 11 that the EU's return to fossil fuels from Russia would weaken the European Union. "In the current crisis, some argue that we should abandon our long-term strategy and even return to Russian fossil fuels," said the head of the EC. "That would be a strategic mistake."

British Deputy Energy Minister Michael Shanks said on March 13 that Britain does not intend to ease sanctions affecting Russian oil in connection with the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The OFAC of the US Treasury Department has issued a general license authorizing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products loaded onto ships as of March 12, 2026. The permit is valid until April 11, 2026. This decision was made in connection with Iran's warning that any vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be attacked. Since the beginning of hostilities, the strait has actually been blocked.