Arabic version: المملكة المتحدة تخفف العقوبات على النفط الروسي مع ارتفاع تكاليف الوقود

The UK government has loosened strict sanctions on Russian oil refined into diesel and jet fuel in third countries as prices rise. The waiver begins on Wednesday and reflects growing supply concerns over certain fuels due to the effective blockade of the key Strait of Hormuz waterway since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.

According to BBC News, the UK has also lifted some sanctions on the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). The government said that overall sanctions had got tougher but extra flexibilities were required.

European jet fuel prices more than doubled after the war started but are now around half higher while the average price of unleaded petrol reached 152.52p a litre on Monday, the highest since the start of the war. Several airlines operating in the UK and around the world have cancelled flights and raised prices in response to sky-high jet fuel prices.

Easing sanctions now will effectively allow imports of jet fuel from India, which was previously a key supplier to the UK and Europe. The new rules for sanctioned processed oil products will be of “indefinite duration”, though they will be reviewed periodically and may be amended or revoked, the government said. The UK also issued a time-limited licence covering the maritime transportation of LNG and related services under Russia sanctions rules, running until 1 January.

Despite the easing of sanctions, the UK remains committed to intensifying its sanctions against Russia, as emphasized by a government spokesperson. They reiterated the importance of maintaining market stability while continuing to apply pressure on Russia for its actions in Ukraine.