"A ban on supply of oil from Russia is on the table now ... This issue may be resolved in the coming weeks, but there is no exact date yet," Le Maire told the BFMTV broadcaster.
The minister also noted that there is "resistance and concern" among EU members over the idea of imposing embargo on oil supplies from Russia.
Previously, several European countries announced their intention to abandon Russian energy imports as part of sanctions against Moscow regarding the special military operation in Ukraine.
Torn EU flag
© Photo : Pixabay
However, Moscow noted that the EU won't be able to replace Russian oil and gas fully in the next five to 10 years: according to 2021 data by the European Commission, Russia's imports to the EU amounted to about 45 percent of gas, 27 percent of crude oil and 46 percent of coal.
Existing sanctions have already affected the European fuel market, as concerns about possible supply cuts made gas and oil prices spike dramatically.