British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his government’s decision to ease certain sanctions on Russian jet fuel and diesel imports, saying the move is necessary to protect consumers as global energy prices surge amid conflict in the Middle East.
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The UK government issued a trade licence allowing the import of Russian crude oil refined in third countries, including India. According to the Department for Business and Trade, the licence is of indefinite duration but will remain under periodic review.
‘Can the Prime Minister explain why oil from Russia is acceptable but oil from Aberdeen is not?’
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch challenges Keir Starmer on why the UK Government appears to have loosened strict sanctions on Russian oil entering Britain in a major U-turn. pic.twitter.com/cKeHMDcVb2
— GB News (@GBNEWS) May 20, 2026
The Labour government also introduced a temporary licence easing sanctions on liquefied natural gas originating from specific Russian facilities. The measures come despite Britain’s earlier pledge to tighten restrictions on imports linked to Russian crude oil.
Starmer said the licences were targeted and temporary steps designed to help phase in new sanctions without placing excessive pressure on British consumers and businesses facing rising fuel costs.
“This is not a question of lifting existing sanctions,” the prime minister said, adding that Britain would continue coordinating with allies on future sanctions packages against Russia.
The decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of indirectly supporting Moscow by purchasing fuel linked to Russian oil exports.
Britain imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting energy exports as well as thousands of Russian individuals and companies.
The latest move follows a decision by the United States to extend waivers for Russian oil shipments already at sea, as energy markets remain under pressure due to ongoing regional tensions and supply concerns.
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At a recent G7 finance ministers’ meeting, the European Union criticised the easing of restrictions, with EU economics commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis warning it was not the right time to reduce pressure on Russia.
UK Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson defended the policy, saying it was aimed at protecting Britain’s national interest.