According to the Financial Times, the UK government has eased new sanctions on Russian oil and gas products to prevent fuel supply disruptions during the ongoing Iran crisis and Strait of Hormuz blockade. The waiver allows continued purchases of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries from Russian crude oil, mirroring a similar temporary exemption introduced by the United States.
The move sparked criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused the government of weakening its stance against Russia while limiting new North Sea oil and gas development. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the decision, saying existing sanctions remain in place and the waiver only delays additional restrictions.
Ukrainian officials also expressed concern that the exemption could still generate revenue for Russia’s war effort, while the UK government said the measure is temporary and designed to maintain energy supply flexibility during rising global oil prices and market instability.
