Britain has decided to ease sanctions on diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude abroad, allowing imports to secure vital supplies amid rising prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Junior treasury minister Dan Tomlinson emphasized the need to prioritize national interests while maintaining support for Ukraine. He stated that ensuring a stable supply of essential goods like jet fuel is crucial for the economy.
This decision mirrors a recent move by the United States, which extended a sanctions waiver for Russian seaborne oil to assist countries facing energy shortages due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK has imposed sanctions on over 3,200 entities to disrupt Russian activities and support Kyiv.
Under the new rules, sanctions will be relaxed for diesel and jet fuel refined in countries such as India and Turkey, potentially sourced from Russian oil. Critics argue this could enable the Kremlin to generate more revenue for its war efforts. However, Tomlinson defended the move as necessary for ensuring supply security and supporting industries facing rising costs.
The updated regulations take effect immediately and will be reviewed periodically. Additionally, Britain has issued a temporary license for maritime transport related to liquefied natural gas from Russian projects, valid until January 1 next year.
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