Moscow’s latest trade figures show Russia’s fuel deliveries to North Korea increased in 2018 when compared to previous years, despite international sanctions on refined oil products.

According to numbers collated by the ITC Trade Map, Moscow’s fuel exports to the DPRK in December were valued at $6.6 million, increasing from $3.2 million the previous month.

The December number brings the yearly total in value terms to $21.8 million, an increase over 2017’s $7.9 million equivalent and the highest recorded annual shipment since 2013.

Oil shipments to North Korea are currently restricted by international sanctions and must