South Korea weighs Russian oil return as sanctions loosen slightly

South Korea weighs Russian oil return as sanctions loosen slightly
March 20, 2026

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South Korea weighs Russian oil return as sanctions loosen slightly

US exemptions open a narrow window, but refining constraints and Europe ties complicate any shift in policy

South Korea is reportedly weighing whether to resume importing Russian oil as rising global prices and targeted U.S. exemptions reopen options that were effectively closed after 2022. 

This shift could ease short-term supply pressure while introducing new diplomatic and strategic trade-offs.

South Korea is reportedly weighing whether to resume importing Russian oil as rising global prices and targeted U.S. exemptions reopen options that were effectively closed after 2022. 

This shift could ease short-term supply pressure while introducing new diplomatic and strategic trade-offs.

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