The United Kingdom has eased sanctions on imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries as global fuel prices continue to surge amid the ongoing Iran conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Under a new trade licence that came into effect on Wednesday, the UK will now allow imports of Russian crude oil refined in countries such as India and Turkiye. Officials said the licence is of “indefinite duration” but will be reviewed periodically.
The British government also announced a temporary relaxation on restrictions involving liquefied natural gas linked to certain Russian energy facilities.
The move comes as energy markets face growing instability due to supply disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Several Western nations had imposed strict sanctions on Russian oil exports following the Ukraine war in 2022, targeting thousands of individuals, companies and energy-related operations.
British officials defended the decision, describing it as a limited and temporary measure aimed at addressing immediate fuel supply concerns. However, opposition leaders criticised the step, arguing it weakens international pressure on Moscow during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Despite the changes, the UK government maintained that its sanctions framework against Russia remains among the strongest globally and reaffirmed its support for Ukraine.
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