Newark’s legislators voted this week to cancel Lukoil licenses. Members of the New Jersey City Council cited the Moscow base as the reason. People are calling for the boycott of Lukoil stations. They operate in 11 states in the Northeastern U.S.
The Newark measure will likely have a greater impact on Americans than it does on Russians. This is because the majority of the 230 Lukoil-branded gas station in the U.S. are franchises that are owned and operated by locals. Two Lukoil stations in Newark sell gasoline from Phillips 66, a U.S.-based company.
One franchise owner was confused by the idea of losing his business license and worried about his 16 employees.
Roger Verma, stated that he stands with Ukraine and supports Russian sanctions. However, he was baffled by the idea of shutting down a small American-based business owner as a way to send a message of support.
Sal Risalvato, executive Director of the New Jersey Gasoline, Convenience Store and Automotive Association, stated that “it doesn’t hurt Lukoil and Russia”.
Lukoil calls for “swift solution”
Lukoil called for a “fast solution to the military conflict in Ukraine” on Thursday. declared that it supports the resolution of the conflict through negotiations and diplomatic means.
Some Washington lawmakers are pushing for the White House to prohibit U.S. companies from buying Russian oil and to impose sanctions against Russian energy companies.
The global crude oil price has risen as traders avoid Russian oil. This is increasing the pain at the pump. According to GasBuddy, the current U.S. average has increased by 20 cents in to $3.78 per gallon.
Some consumers in the United States have started to get rid of Smirnoff vodka. They may not know that the alcoholic beverage is owned and controlled by Diageo in the U.K., and that the bottles that are sold in the U.S. were distilled in Illinois .
Supermarket chains Publix, Kroger and Kroger will remove Russian-produced vodka off their shelves, according CBS affiliates located in Florida and Wisconsin.
