The Biden administration is drafting options for multiple rounds of harsh sanctions on Russia, but energy sanctions are likely a last resort given the impact they could have on the global economy and domestic gasoline prices, three US officials told CNN, Report informs.
"We're trying to do it in such a way where it is a menu of options. We will not do everything on that menu all at once," one of the officials said. "The energy section of it is the more extreme option if it becomes necessary. I do not see that as being in the first tranche. You always want to keep things in your back pocket."
Administration officials believe there is a clear correlation between President Joe Biden’s approval ratings and the prices at the pump and don’t want to rock the boat, the officials explained. But experts warn that avoiding hard-hitting measures targeting Russia’s energy sector - which could affect global oil markets and prices at the pump - could mean the sanctions would not be strong enough.