EU purchases of Russian coal rise 80%

The European Union sharply increased its purchases of Russian coal in May by 80% compared to April on the eve of a complete ban on its purchases.

According to Kommersant, referring to Eurostat data, in May European countries bought 4.7 million tons of coal from Russia for 1.1 billion euros, and in April 2.6 million tons of coal were bought for 700 million euros.

Almost half of the volume was purchased by the Netherlands (2.2 million tons, 4 times more than in April). Poland bought 95% less coal in May – 19.2 thousand tons. Prior to that, the country was a major importer of Russian coal.

Previously, Europe received Russian coal mainly by rail, but now – by sea. Prior to the imposition of sanctions on Russia following operations in Ukraine, Russia accounted for 65% of imports into the European Union.

At the same time, the Financial Times reported earlier that the European Union reduced the import of thermal coal from Russia by 48% compared to May in anticipation of a complete ban on its purchases.

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