US President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil and other energy imports on Tuesday in retaliation against the invasion of Ukraine, underscoring strong bipartisan support for a move that he acknowledged would drive up US energy prices.
“We’re banning all imports of Russian oil and gas energy,” Biden told reporters at the White House.
“That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable in US ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s war machine.”
Oil prices jumped on the news, with benchmark Brent crude for May climbing 5.4 per cent to $129.91 a barrel. Gas prices hit a record in the United States on Tuesday.
