More than $3.7bn in fuel containing Russian crude oil has been imported by Australia
since 2023, delivering Vladimir Putin more in taxes than our nation has supplied to
Ukraine for defence and aid.
After widespread Australian media reporting, the Australian government has imposed sanctions on russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, which is a network of vessels used to circumvent international sanctions on transporting russian oil.
Ms Kateryna Argyrou, AFUO Chair, said today “We commend the Australian Government for taking this step to hold Russia accountable and disrupt the murky oil trade funding its aggression. These vessels operate with little transparency, poor safety standards, and in direct defiance of global sanctions.
“More importantly, we urge the Government to take the next step and fully close the sanctions loophole, by completely banning the import of any petroleum which is made from Russian crude oil. Without this, Russian crude continues to reach Australian petrol stations, generating revenue for the Kremlin’s war budget and enabling Russia’s continued war against Ukraine.
“Recent reports have indicated that in the last 18 months alone, Australians have sent an estimated AUD $1.85 billion to the Kremlin via export taxes. That is more than the $1.5 billion Australia has generously given to Ukraine in aid.
“It’s sickening that our petrol dollars have helped fund weapons that kill innocent civilians and target homes, hospitals and schools. The latest wave of massive aerial assaults against Kyiv and cities across Ukraine show just how urgent it is to cut off the flow of money and stop funding Russia’s war crimes.
“It is absolutely imperative that Australia should next move to ban the import of all refined petroleum products that originate from Russian crude oil, regardless of where they are processed. We urge further coordinated action by Australia and its partners to uphold international law, support Ukraine’s sovereignty and help bring an end to Russia’s brutal slaughtering of civilians,” she concluded.
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How can we help?
- Share the call to action to send an email to your local MP. Our letter writing platform with a pre-drafted letter is super simple and quick to use: https://standwithukraine.good.do/aus-stop-fueling-russias-war/message-local-mps/
- Share the information about Australia’s russian crude oil imports widely across social media. Social media post can be found here:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1VkDJdA4YD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Australia stands with Ukraine. We’ve imposed sanctions, sent humanitarian as well as military aid, and voiced strong opposition to Russia’s brutal invasion.
But there’s a hidden truth: every time you fill your tank, you could be unknowingly supporting Putin’s war machine.
The Shocking Truth
Australia has imported $3.7 billion worth of fuel containing Russian crude oil since 2023, funneled through third party countries. That trade has delivered $1.85 billion in taxes to the Kremlin — more than Australia’s total aid to Ukraine.
How the Loophole Works
- Russian crude oil is sold to refineries in India, China, Singapore, etc
- It’s mixed with other crude and “substantially transformed”
- The refined product is legally imported to Australia – no longer labeled ‘russian’
- Putin’s government receives taxes and royalties from the original crude sale
This is how Russian oil is laundered and ends up in Australian cars, homes, and businesses.
Why It Matters Now
Russia is escalating its attacks — launching record numbers of drones, missiles, and bombs at Ukrainian civilians, homes, and hospitals. These deliberate war crimes are being funded in part by your petrol purchases.
We must act.
What You Can Do
Your voice matters. Urge your local MP to stand with Ukraine and call on the Australian Government to:
1. Close the sanctions loophole and stop funding Russian war crimes
2. Increase military aid to Ukraine so Ukrainians can defend themselves
It only takes a minute. Don’t know your MP? Enter your address and we’ll find them for you.
Send an email now and make your voice count.
About
This campaign is being led by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO), the peak body for 22 national community organisations in Australia. The AFUO is a member of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) – the global voice for the Ukrainian diaspora.
