The EU is considering a ban on Russian LNG and aluminum as part of its 16th sanctions package, according to Bloomberg.

The European Union is considering the gradual implementation of restrictions on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and aluminum. These new measures will be part of the 16th sanctions package by the EU against Russia for the war initiated in Ukraine.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Bloomberg.

The proposed measures, which will be included in the new sanctions package, consist of restrictions on dozens of vessels from Russia's shadow fleet transporting Russian oil, as well as further export controls on goods used for military purposes. This step will also result in more banks being disconnected from the international SWIFT system.

According to sources, the restrictions on aluminum will be gradual, and the timelines and scope have yet to be determined. In turn, the abandonment of LNG may occur either as a sanction or as part of a roadmap that the bloc's executive body plans to present next month. The proposals are still under discussion among EU member states and may change before their official presentation.

While the ban on the import of Russian gas has been a pressing measure for several countries, the EU still needs to decide whether to rely on sanctions to make the withdrawal legally binding. Sanctions could serve as the strongest argument for terminating contracts with Russian suppliers, but they require unanimous approval from EU states and have a limited duration.

Some officials have stated that sanctions against Russian pipeline gas are impractical, as a group of countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, still depends on supplies from Gazprom. However, a ban on LNG, which saw record imports last year, appears to be more feasible. Bloomberg sources explain that the three countries importing the largest share of this fuel—Spain, Belgium, and France—should not block punitive measures against Russia.

The bloc is also considering proposals to include more companies from third countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates, in the sanctions list, as they assist Russia in obtaining technologies used in armaments, as well as restrictions on the Russian transport sector.

Additionally, the EU plans to close more loopholes that allow Moscow to circumvent existing restrictions, as well as introduce increased tariffs on agricultural products and fertilizers as part of the new sanctions package.

The bloc