Sitting on two chairs: The US criticizes Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries over fear of rising global fuel prices.

US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin criticized Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries in Russia. He stated that these strikes could negatively affect the availability of energy resources globally.

“It is better for Ukraine to focus on tactical and operational goals that can directly affect the course of hostilities,” the head of the Pentagon emphasized.

Bloomberg emphasizes that the United States is trying to strike a balance between reducing Russia’s profit from the sale of energy resources and ensuring that enough hydrocarbons continue flowing to global markets to maintain a stable economy. World oil prices are currently the highest in almost six months, primarily due to tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the world’s largest energy trader, Vitol, forecasts an increase in global oil demand this year by 1.9 million barrels per day and points to a possible price range of $80 to $100 per barrel.