Novak says Russian diesel sometimes reaches Europe under other brands despite the ban

Novak's statements on fuel and gas supplies to Europe

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, in a Sunday interview with the Vesti media outlet, suggested that European countries may be purchasing Russian gas through third countries despite the restrictions. Asked about this possibility, he said such cases are possible, because although Europe has banned the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products, 'Russian diesel does sometimes still appear in Europe under other brands.'

Assessment of gas reserves and winter risks

Novak also warned that Europe could face difficulties during the winter period. According to him, gas reserves in European underground storage facilities are at a historically low level, and 'how Europeans will get through the winter will be a separate story.' He cited figures: EU storage facilities hold about 82.1 billion cubic meters of gas — the lowest level since 2013, which is 9.4 billion cubic meters less than a year earlier.

Context and limitations of the information

All of the information cited comes from the Russian deputy prime minister himself and his assessment of the situation; the Anadolu publication contains no independent verification of the data on diesel reaching the European market under other brands or of the reaction of European parties. The publication does not say which specific supply schemes are meant or how the EU responded to the statements.