UK Eases Russian Fuel Sanctions As Middle East Crisis Pushes Energy Prices Higher

The United Kingdom government has relaxed some sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports refined in third countries as rising tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up global energy prices.

Officials said the newly approved trade licence took effect immediately and will remain in place for an “indefinite duration”, although it will undergo periodic reviews.

Under the updated arrangement, the UK will now allow imports of Russian crude oil refined in countries such as India.

Authorities also announced a temporary licence easing restrictions on liquefied natural gas sourced from selected Russian facilities.

Britain had earlier introduced extensive sanctions against Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting Russian oil exports alongside thousands of individuals and businesses.

The latest development comes after the United States extended a sanctions waiver for Russian oil cargoes already at sea. The waiver was renewed for the second time this week as the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to strain global oil supplies and increase fuel prices worldwide.

The European Union reportedly criticised the US decision during a G7 finance ministers’ meeting attended by the UK.

EU economics commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said it was not the right time to “ease pressure on Russia”.

Speaking in defence of the UK’s decision, Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson described the move as necessary to protect national interests.

“The government announced yesterday this time-limited change to the rules around oil and refining, given the extremes of the impacts of the conflict in Iran, and the impact of it washing up on our shores,” Tomlinson told Sky News.

The development follows retaliatory actions linked to US-Israeli strikes launched in February, after Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes — although maritime traffic has gradually improved following a ceasefire.

Reacting to the policy shift, Kemi Badenoch criticised the Labour government.

“After 18 months of ‘standing up to Putin’, the Labour govt quietly issued a licence allowing imports of Russian oil refined in third countries,” Badenoch wrote on X.