With the US allowing them to buy Russian oil, several Asian countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, are preparing to start talks to buy energy supplies from Russia.
“The Ministry of Energy is preparing to start talks to buy oil from Russia to make up for any deficit and reassure the public that there will be no energy shortage in Thailand,” The Nation reported, citing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
The local Daily News portal reported that the Sri Lankan leadership is discussing the possibility of buying Russian oil with Moscow. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with Russian Ambassador Levan Jagaryan to expedite the purchases.
The Philippines is also exploring the possibility of buying Russian oil, the country’s Foreign Ministry reported.
The decisions came after Iran warned that any ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz would be attacked. The strait has been virtually closed since the start of hostilities.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, and is a major oil transit route. About a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies pass through the strait.
