Germany's Merz says easing Russia sanctions is wrong

ANDØYA, Norway, March 13 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that any move to ease sanctions against Russia is wrong, after the United States issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea.

"We believe that is wrong," Merz said at a press conference alongside his Norwegian counterpart.

"There is currently a problem with prices, but not with supply. And in that respect, I would like to know what other factors led the U.S. government to take this decision."

The waiver, issued in an apparent effort to ease oil and gas prices driven up by the war the U.S. and Israel are waging with Iran, appeared to have little effect on Friday, with ​benchmark Brent crude back up to $101 per barrel by 1000 GMT.

Iran's retaliation ​has included strikes on ships ​in the Strait of Hormuz, bringing non-Iranian vessel ‌transits ⁠through the main gateway for much of the Middle East's oil exports to a near standstill and forcing producers in ​the region ​to ⁠cut output.

"Let me make this very clear once again: Germany is not part of this war, and we do not wish to become one," Merz said.