SA suspends Iran crude imports again

South Africa suspended all imports of crude oil from Iran for a fifth consecutive month in October, because of sanctions, data showed on Friday. The country used to import a quarter of its crude from Iran, but since June has replaced shipments with crude from other suppliers, especially Saudi Arabia. The government has come under Western pressure to cut the shipments as part of sanctions designed to halt Tehran’s suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons. The major supplier in October was Saudi Arabia, with 692 740 tons. Other crude imports came from Nigeria, Angola, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Equatorial Guinea, with shipments totalling 1.55 million tons. Meanwhile, Pretoria is still hampered by EU sanctions that prevent insurance companies from underwriting Iranian shipments. – Reuters