Southeast Asian states competing for Russian crude oil are prioritising easing domestic fuel shortages over potential friction with allies such as the United States or European countries which support Ukraine in its war against Moscow, say analysts.

Ukraine criticised a US decision on Apr 17 to extend a waiver allowing Russia to sell oil despite Western sanctions, saying that these proceeds will fund the war.

The US’ move allowed the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until May 16.

The US argued that the waiver is meant to ease the energy supply crunch triggered by a separate war with Iran, which began in February, although analysts told CNA that Washington might still look unfavourably on countries buying Russian oil and gas.

The experts also warned that continued reliance on Russia for energy risks increasing Moscow’s leverage on bilateral relations and potential tension with countries in the Middle East, which have been attacked by Russia-aligned Iran and which also have long-term crude oil contracts with some Southeast Asian states.

“Countries must decide whether the short-term gains (of buying Russian energy) are worth the long-term repercussions,” said Yohanes Sulaiman, an international relations expert at Indonesia’s Achmad Yani University.