UK Relaxes Russian Fuel Sanctions Amid Middle East Energy Crisis

The UK government has eased sanctions on imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries, citing rising global fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict.

Under the new trade licence, which took immediate effect and is of indefinite duration pending periodic review, Britain can now import Russian crude oil refined in countries such as India. The government also temporarily relaxed restrictions on liquefied natural gas from selected Russian plants.

The move comes as energy markets face mounting pressure following tensions involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

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Britain had imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting oil exports and thousands of individuals and companies linked to Moscow.

The decision follows similar steps by the United States, which recently extended waivers allowing certain Russian oil cargoes already at sea to proceed amid fears of worsening global supply shortages.

However, the policy shift has drawn criticism from the European Union and opposition figures in the UK. EU economics commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis warned that now was not the time to reduce pressure on Russia.

UK Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson defended the decision, saying the temporary easing was necessary to protect Britain’s national interests from the economic fallout of the Iran conflict.

Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the Labour government, accusing it of quietly softening its stance against Russian energy imports after months of pledging firm opposition to President Vladimir Putin.