This Russian oil company is to sell 75 Dutch gas stations

Lukoil

Russian oil company Lukoil is to dispose of its foreign assets, including 75 gas stations in the Netherlands. The move follows new U.S. sanctions that hit the company hard. According to Lukoil itself, the sale is a direct result of “restrictive measures against the company and its subsidiaries by some countries.”

Sanctions from the US and UK

The United States last week imposed sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, the two largest Russian oil companies. US companies are no longer allowed to trade with the Russian groups, and their assets are frozen. The United Kingdom also blacklisted Lukoil earlier this month. The sanctions are intended to put economic pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

Consequences for Europe as well

Lukoil owns some 5,300 service stations worldwide in 19 countries, including Belgium (185) and the Netherlands (75). So these are now going on display. Who will take them over is still unclear. According to Russia experts, Lukoil has been trying to distance itself from the Kremlin for some time, but without success: “The company is doomed,” a former director told Politico.

Impact on the Netherlands

The sale does not mean that the gas stations will close immediately – they will probably be renamed or taken over by another party. Still, the end of Lukoil in the Netherlands is symbolic: the brand had been active in our country since 2003. Due to political pressure on Russian oil companies, this chapter now seems to be definitively over. Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof previously let it be known that he wants the European Union to take over American sanctions.

Also read: Finding the cheapest gas stations in the Netherlands in 2025