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Indonesia seeks Russian oil for the very first time in years, sources say

Indonesian statecontrolled refiner Pertamina has actually added Russian oil grades to its tender lists to buy September crude, three traders stated on Monday.

Pertamina has not acquired Russian oil for years, having taken a step back since the start of Russian-Ukraine armed force conflict in 2022, though Indonesia did not sign up with Western sanctions versus Russia.

Pertamina last acquired ESPO Blend and Sokol oil from Russia more than 10 years ago, LSEG information shows.

Western sanctions against the Russian energy sector, consisting of an EU embargo on its oil and a rate cap mechanism, have actually made China, India and Turkey the main buyers of Russian oil.

Pertamina asked for Russian Urals oil in addition to sour grades Kirkuk, Jubilee, Al Shakheen and others for Sept. 15-17 arrival at its Cilacap refinery.

Pertamina likewise asked for Sokol oil among sweet oil grades such as Azeri BTC, El Sharara, Qua Iboe and others for arrival at Cilacap over Sept. 18-20. The Sokol is to be supplied under CFR or provided at port (DAP) terms only, according to the tender.

One of the tenders closed last week and another on Monday, the sources stated. The outcomes have yet to be announced.

Among the sources familiar with Pertamina's strategies stated the company might only buy Russian oil if it was sold under the rate cap policy.

The cap permits Western carriers and insurers to take part in Russian oil trading supplied that the oil is sold for less than $60 a barrel.

A representative for Pertamina's refinery system stated on Tuesday the firm would acquire crude oil that appropriated with its refinery requirements, while complying with all pertinent regulations.

If we buy petroleum from Russia, it will be done under price cap system, spokesperson Hermansyah Nasroen stated.

(source: Reuters)