As a result of the embargo on Russian oil in Europe, the Italian government placed, this Thursday, December 1, under ” temporary administration of the State a refinery of the Russian oil giant Loukoil. Refinery located in Sicily and which risked having to stop production due to the entry into force on Monday, December 5 of the EU embargo on the import of Russian crude oil by sea. A way for Italy to protect its energy supply.
This refinery is one of the largest in Europe. It employs nearly 10,000 people in Priolo, a small industrial town in Sicily. This guardianship was expected. This makes it possible to protect jobs, but above all the ” national energy pole in the words of Giorgia Meloni, the country’s Prime Minister.
100% Russian oil
Since the beginning of the war, the refinery has been supplied 100% with Russian oil. The entry into force of the embargo of the European Union this Monday, December 5 was going to break this chain.
As long as the site was in the bosom of the Russian oil company Loukoil, supply in other countries was impossible, European banks, fearing sanctions, no longer provided the necessary guarantees. The government has therefore exercised its special power over this strategic sector of energy. For at least a year, Italy will control this refinery which still provides 20% of the country’s oil needs.
Buyer or nationalization
A time during which the government intends to find a buyer. Without excluding nationalization if necessary.
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