OREANDA-NEWS. The United States is preparing to announce new sanctions on the gas pipeline Nord Stream 2, while it is the largest importer of Russian oil. According to The National Interest, it is necessary to ban deliveries from Russia. However, some specialists say that this is unlikely to come true, because then American refineries using heavy oil will stop their work.

According to RIA Novosti news agency, the US Congress wants to impose restrictions on European companies associated with the project Nord Stream 2. Germany did not approve this approach and even threatened with countering sanctions.

This year, the United States has become the leader among the importers of Russian crude oil. It bought 12 % of all exports. Formally, the United States ranks second, since the Netherlands bought more. However, this country is a transit hub from where oil products are sent to other states.