UK Allows Some Russian-Origin Fuel Imports to Address Shortages

The UK will keep allowing some diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude in third countries, despite earlier plans to close that sanctions loophole. The government issued the notice late on Tuesday. Sir Keir Starmer defended the decision during Prime Minister’s Questions.

He described the approach as a phased sanctions policy announced last October. Starmer also indicated the government would freeze the 5p fuel duty cut beyond September.

The government had pledged to introduce a new sanction on oil and gas flows from Russia that passed through third countries. A separate licence for the maritime transport of Russian liquefied natural gas was also issued. The move comes as the government addresses fuel shortages. Officials cited concerns over jet fuel supply.

The extension of the fuel duty relief aims to ease cost-of-living pressures from higher fuel prices. Starmer presented the measures as responses to current market conditions.