Tanker carrying Russian oil set to dock in WA despite sanctions, campaigners say

Campaigners have warned a ship destined for an Australian port is carrying Russian oil despite sanctions put in place because of the Ukraine war.

A tanker purportedly full of Russian oil is set to dock in Western Australia within days, despite sanctions being in place against Moscow, Ukrainian and anti-Russian oil campaigners According to DFAT, the “import, purchase or transport” of several goods is prohibited “if they were exported from, or originated in, Russia”. That includes oil and petroleum products.

The ship Seferis left Sika in India two weeks ago full of oil from the Jamnagar refinery, and it is due to arrive in the outer-Perth suburb of Kwinana by 4am Sunday.

The Jamnagar refinery is notoriously fed by Russian crude oil, with as much as 55 per cent of their 2025 stock coming from the European pariah.

This means the imported oil, which originated in Russia, could end up fuelling Australian vehicles on the road.

Anti-Russian oil campaigners allege this ship is full of covertly imported Russian oil

The alarm has been raised about a “loophole” that allows Russian oil to be bought and sold in Australia, with local campaigners and parliamentarians calling for immediate action.

Independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie raised the issue in Question Time on Thursday, asking the Defence Minister Richard Marles “Why are the loopholes in our sanctions so big you can drive a tanker through them?”

“In July, two vessels reportedly docked in Botany Bay, with some 175,000 tonnes of petrol from the Jamnagar refinery in India, which uses up to 55 per cent Russian oil,” Mr Wilkie said.

“So these vessels effectively carry some 90,000 tonnes of Russian-sourced petrol, paid for by Australians, which will help fund Putin’s war in Ukraine.”

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie questioned the government about the “loophole”. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Marles largely avoided the question instead focusing on the sanctions that had been put in place.

“Sanctions, which is the topic of the question the member has asked, is an important part of what we are putting in place to stand with Ukraine,” Mr Marles said.

“And our government will stand with Ukraine.

“I know the Australian people will stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes for Ukraine to resolve this conflict on its terms.”

The loophole has recently been closed in the European Union, which has banned the importation of petroleum products refined form Russian crude oil in its 18th sanctions package against Russia.

Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles defended Australia’s sanctions. NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations has urged Australia to take similar action.

“This decisive action closes a glaring and deeply exploited loophole that has allowed Russian crude to enter global markets through refineries in third-party countries – undermining sanctions and fuelling the Kremlin’s war machine.

“We urge the Australian government to take similar action and close this loophole in Australia’s own sanctions regime.

“Since February 2023, Australia has imported an estimated $3.7bn worth of Russian crude, as a component in refined petroleum products from Indian refineries – sending around $1.8bn in tax revenue to the Kremlin.

“This flow of profits directly helps fund Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine.”

Originally published as Tanker carrying Russian oil set to dock in WA despite sanctions, campaigners say