Full Breakdown
UK Allows Imports of Diesel and Jet Fuel Refined from Russian Crude Amid Middle-East Supply Crunch
5/20/2026, 6:31:24 AM
UK eases sanctions on Russian-derived diesel and jet fuel
On 19 May 2026 the British government issued a general trade licence (GBSAN0004) that permits the import of diesel and jet fuel whose crude originated in Russia but was refined in a third country. The licence, effective 20 May, applies to products processed in India or Turkey and is of “indefinite duration” but subject to periodic review. A separate, time-limited licence also covers the maritime transport of Russian LNG from the Sakhalin-2 and Yamal projects until 1 January 2027.
Background: sanctions regime and Hormuz-driven supply shock
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the UK has imposed extensive sanctions on Russian energy exports, including an October 2025 ban on diesel and jet fuel refined abroad from Russian crude. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran in late February 2026 disrupted global oil flows, pushing Brent crude to around $110 per barrel and driving diesel and jet-fuel prices sharply higher. The government said the carve-out is needed to protect “critical supply chains” and “market stability.”
Key actors
- UK government (Treasury, Foreign Office) and its spokesperson.
- Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary.
- Emmanuel Macron, President of France.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.
- Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary (referencing the U.S. waiver).
- John Foreman CBE, associate fellow at Chatham House.
Data and statistics
- Brent crude traded near $110 / bbl on 19 May.
- European jet-fuel prices are ? 50 % above pre-war levels, having more than doubled after the war began.
- The RAC reported the UK average unleaded-petrol price at 152.52 pence / litre, the highest since the conflict started.
- Fuel can represent up to 25 % of airline operating costs.
- U.S. Senate Democrats estimated the earlier waiver generated ? $150 million / day for Russia, exceeding $4 billion in total.
Official statements and responses
The UK spokesperson affirmed, “We are committed to strengthening our sanctions on Russia to degrade its ability to wage war in Ukraine, whilst protecting critical supply chains and maintaining market stability.” Yvette Cooper described the U.S. waiver as a “specific, targeted issue.” The Treasury declined further comment. In the United States, Treasury Secretary Bessent said the waiver was intended to promote “stability in global energy markets.”
Criticism and opposition
French President Macron warned that the Strait of Hormuz’s shutdown “in no way” justifies lifting sanctions on Russia. Ukrainian President Zelensky stressed that “every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war.” John Foreman called the UK move “cynical but understandable” and argued it “undercuts” the country’s moral stance. Several U.S. and UK allies have similarly criticised the waiver for aiding Moscow’s war financing.
Conflicting reports and gaps
The UK claims overall sanctions have become tougher while simultaneously easing restrictions on refined products, a tension noted by critics. The licence’s indefinite term lacks a clear revocation timetable, and the government has not disclosed projected import volumes under the new regime.
Verbatim quotes
- “The Strait of Hormuz's shutdown ‘in no way’ justified lifting the sanctions on Russia.” — Emmanuel Macron, President of France
- “Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war.” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
- “We are committed to strengthening our sanctions on Russia to degrade its ability to wage war in Ukraine, whilst protecting critical supply chains and maintaining market stability.” — UK government spokesperson
- “The licenses reflect a deepening global energy crisis, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz putting supply lines in a chokehold.” — John Foreman CBE, associate fellow, Chatham House
- “Specific, targeted issue.” — Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary
Outlook: future licensing and energy security
The licence will be reviewed periodically; if Hormuz-related supply pressures persist, the UK may consider additional flexibilities, potentially extending to natural-gas imports. Monitoring of fuel-price trends, EU gas-storage levels, and the volume of Russian-origin diesel and jet fuel entering the UK will shape any further policy adjustments.
