The Prime Minister Has Called For A'Step-By-Step' Transition Away From Russian Petroleum
As a result of the Ukraine conflict, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has advocated for a "step-by-step" transition away from Russian oil and gas.
Following talks with the Prime Ministers of Canada and the Dutch, Mr Johnson stated that nations must work together to secure alternatives.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, stated that Europe did not want to repeat the error of being overly reliant on Russia.
However, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned that imposing a boycott at this time would have "huge consequences."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany warned against banning Russian oil and gas.
He said in a statement that Europe had "deliberately exempted" Russian energy from sanctions because its supply could not be secured "any other way" right now.
Meanwhile, Russia has warned that if the West halts oil imports over the invasion of Ukraine, oil prices may rise to $300 per barrel, and it may block the main gas pipeline to Germany.
"Ignoring Russian oil will have disastrous consequences for the global market," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said.
Mr Johnson's call came after he, Mr Trudeau, and Mr Rutte discussed new sanctions against Russia and aid for Ukraine at a Downing Street news conference.
When asked about reports that the US is in active talks with European countries about banning Russian oil imports, Mr Johnson said that Western allies are "moving very, very fast" and that things that would not have been considered weeks ago are "now very much on the table."
In the coming days, he said he will lay out a new energy supply strategy, indicating the UK was considering using more of its own fossil fuels.
However, he stated that the UK would not abandon its commitment to reduce carbon emissions.
The United Kingdom imports less than 5% of its gas from Russia, compared to around 40% for EU members.