UK Eases Sanctions on Russian Jet Fuel and Diesel Imports Amid Fuel Shortages
The United Kingdom relaxed sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports, allowing the import of Russian crude oil refined in third countries such as India and Turkey. The decision, effective May 20, 2026, was made to address fuel shortages caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iran conflict. The move has drawn sharp criticism from UK political figures, including the Tories.
Where Sources Diverge
The Straits Times and Al Jazeera reported the easing of sanctions on Russian oil imports, while The Guardian and others emphasized the specific focus on refined products.
Britain eases sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports.
UK eases sanctions on Russian oil imports as fuel prices soar.
Decision to allow import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries is criticised by Tories as 'insane'.
The Guardian and The Hindu mentioned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a contributing factor, while others focused on the broader context of the Iran conflict.
The UK government has relaxed strict sanctions on Russian crude oil, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs.
The closure of Strait of Hormuz and fears of fuel shortage have pushed Britain to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil refined in third countries.
Timelines
Sources
The closure of Strait of Hormuz and fears of fuel shortage have pushed Britain to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil refined in third countries
UK eases Russian oil sanctions amid fears over fuel shortages after Hormuz disruption Anadolu Ajansı
The UK moved to loosen its Russian sanctions in a controversial move aimed at preventing shortages of diesel and jet fuel, as the war in Iran eats into global oil buffers. The move highlights how Britain has become more reliant on fuel imports than other major European nations, and has prompted political backlash over the government’s commitment to support Ukraine. The European Union is not currently planning a similar measure, according to people with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to...
The move will allow the UK to import Russian crude oil refined in third countries, such as India and Turkiye.
Ukraine ally Britain eases sanctions on Russian oil as fuel prices surge over Iran conflict The Washington Post
Ukraine ally Britain eases sanctions on Russian oil as fuel prices surge over Iran conflict AP News
Britain eases sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports The Straits Times
Decision to allow import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries is criticised by Tories as ‘insane’ The UK government has relaxed strict sanctions on Russian crude oil, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs. A trade licence that came into effect on Wednesday permits the imports indefinitely and will be reviewed periodically. It comes at a time of growing concerns over the supply of certain fuels due to the de facto blockade of the strait of Hormuz since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran. Continue reading...
UK eases sanctions on Russian oil refined into jet fuel and diesel Financial Times
UK quietly issues sanctions waivers on Russian oil products The Kyiv Independent
UK allows diesel and jet fuel imports from Russian crude via sanctions carve-out Reuters
UK to Allow Imports of Diesel, Jet Fuel Refined From Russian Oil Bloomberg.com
The exceptions to the sanctions rules come into force on May 20 and are of an indefinite duration