We write to you as B4Ukraine, a coalition of Ukrainian and international civil society organizations working to curtail the financial resources enabling the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the spirit of respect for the fundamental rights of all people, the rules-based international order, and a prosperous global economy, we expect companies to demonstrate public support for the people, democracy, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, opposition to Russia’s war of aggression, and alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

We understand that, after April 2022, Afton Chemical Corporation (Afton) has stopped the direct shipments of its products into Russia, including engine oil, fuel, driveline, and industrial additives and lubricant components. However, the company has not issued any statement regarding its operations with Russia nor their potential termination. We would therefore appreciate a clarification and a confirmation from the company on whether it has stopped all exports to Russia. As you understand, additives are critical to manufacturing machine oil used in the majority of engines and is a product that Russia does not produce, and therefore relies on imports from companies as your own.

Research shows that, while Afton curtailed its direct shipments to Russia, some imports of its products continue via ‘parallel’ routes, most notably by importers from China. We therefore request a dialog regarding Afton’s efforts, policies, and measures taken to prevent the indirect shipments and parallel imports of its lubricants and additives into Russia...