Russia has resumed exports of liquefied gas through Kerch - Reuters

According to insiders, exports began in the second half of June this year. "Deliveries go to the port of the Caucasus (Azov Sea) and then by a vapor to Kerch, as the transportation of LPG through the Crimean bridge is forbidden," - says Reuters the words of a trader, who knows on trade streams. The publication emphasizes that this testifies to Russia's ability not only to bypass international sanctions, but also to export energy resources that fill the budget of the Russian Federation.

According to the sources of the agency, in the spring of Kerch the liquefied gas came sporadically, but exports, which goes mainly to Turkey, is currently on a regular basis. "Traders say that shipments through Kerch and southern ports of Russia are quite attractive thanks to pricing, although exports by this route are still restraining because of security threats and tankers," Reuters writes.

Liquid gas (LPG) is mainly used as a fuel for cars, for heating and production of other petrochemical products. This energy resource was released from the Western Sanctions, but regular LPG exports were still suspended. It happened in 2015 because of the then larger international sanctions against Russian companies and producers for annexation of Crimea.

"However, Russian manufacturers, under sanctions, have redirected considerable volumes of liquefied gas from Europe to the east, mainly to China, as well as to Russian Black Sea terminals for further export to Turkey, North Africa and Balkan countries," the agency said. Instead, Russian exports of liquefied gas in the first half of 2023 increased by 10% compared to the same period of 2022 - up to 1. 911 million tons.

Moreover, about a third of general deliveries abroad are provided with maritime routes. According to Reuters, 34% of the total Russian exports of LPG were directed to Poland, 10% to Latvia, 6% to China and 5% to Afghanistan. We will remind, Focus wrote that despite all the efforts to give up Russian gas, the Kremlin will still earn energy. In addition, in 2024 the contract ends, under which gas is supplied to Europe through the territory of Ukraine.