HOUSTON (Reuters). – A record 62 million barrels Russia’s Urals are sitting in ships at sea. Data from Vortexa, an energy analytics company, showed that crude traders were struggling to find buyers.

United States and other nations have stopped the import of Russian oil products and crude oil. Other countries, however, have declined to acquire cargoes due to fear of possible sanctions. European Commission considers an embargo for Russian oil.

Vortexa reported that Urals crude oil has tripled its pre-war level. Vortexa added that Russian seaborne oils exports have fallen to 6.7million barrels per day (bpd), down around 15% over February’s 7.9bpd. 

Clay Seigle, a Houston-based energy strategist, said that “the headline numbers showing Russian exports remain relatively strong” doesn’t reflect the whole story. “Russian oil at Sea is still accumulating.”

Seigle said that 15% of all Urals cargoes are currently at sea without a destination, which is a record. Certain oil cargoes may still be unsold, and others might be in transit.

Most Russian crude oil has headed towards Asia. India and China are the main destinations. However, volumes heading to Europe rose ahead of any ban.