Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Wednesday that it would be pointless for Italy to open dialogue with President Vladimir Putin about oil supplies from Russia, with the shipping of fuel from the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz currently cut off due to Iran's retaliation to the attacks by Israel and the United States.
"The problem is the price of oil, not where to find it," Crosetto told Mediaset television when asked about getting oil from Russia, "He (Putin) would sell it at the same price at which others purchase it.
"That's how it is right now".
He stressed that Italy was taking initiatives to find alternative sources of energy.
"Italy is taking action through its major companies; Eni is one of the world's largest energy companies, and it has taken steps with Venezuela, with African sources, and with Asian sources like Indonesia, to cover the shortfall that could result from the closure of Hormuz," the minister said.
