EMEA News
Russian Court Dismisses Appeal Over Offshore Bunkering Ban
Russia's Central Energy Customs (CEC) Tuesday lost an appeal to maintain its effective ban on offshore bunkering operations, PortNews reports.
CEC, an agency of the Russian Federal Customs Service, issued orders in August 2013 heavily restricting bunkering operations in Russia.
It is understood the move was aimed at cracking down on tax evaders who produce small amounts of low grade bunker fuel and sell it on the black market via bunker tankers without declaring duties.
However, Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service took CEC to court over its actions and CEC's decision to effectively ban offshore bunkering was declared invalid in March 2014 and again by a court of arbitration in June.
CEC appealed to the Court of Appeal and yesterday had its appeal dismissed.
It is as yet unclear what actions CEC intends to take following the decision.
Lukoil recently said it was expecting important changes in Russia's bunkering industry.
