- Britain will continue to allow imports of diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude in third countries, postponing a ban announced in October 2025.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer insists the measure is a phased approach, not a lifting of sanctions, and forms part of a broader package increasing pressure on Moscow.
- Critics, including Conservative and Labour lawmakers and Ukrainian officials, say the carve‑out undermines sanctions and benefits Russia.
Facing soaring fuel prices and tight supplies caused by the Middle East conflict, the UK government has delayed implementing part of its sanctions regime against Russia.
In October 2025, ministers pledged to ban imports of diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude in third countries. But on 20 May, they announced that these imports would continue, citing supply concerns and the need to phase in the ban. The move has provoked criticism from across the political spectrum and from Ukraine.
Under the carve‑out, Britain will keep importing jet fuel and diesel produced in countries such as India and Turkey using Russian oil. Energy Secretary Keir Starmer told Parliament the decision was part of a broader sanctions package and insisted it was not a “lifting” of sanctions.
Trade minister Chris Bryant said the measures were taken “in the light of the situation in the Middle East” and would be suspended as soon as supply allowed.
Opponents argue the move undermines the UK’s commitment to deprive Moscow of energy revenues. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of buying “dirty Russian oil” and funding the killing of Ukrainian soldiers. Labour’s Emily Thornberry said Ukraine had been let down, while Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko described the decision as “deeply disappointing”.
The government points to structural constraints. Britain’s refining capacity has declined to about 1 million barrels per day following a string of closures; yet product demand remains around 1.35 million barrels per day, with diesel and jet fuel representing 61 % of consumption.
Data from Kpler show that in 2025 Britain imported 483,000 bpd of middle distillates, with imports from India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE accounting for 35 %. Officials argue that cutting off supply from third countries would risk shortages and price spikes just as global markets struggle with the Hormuz closure.
Loophole
The decision underscores the tension between sanctions policy and energy security. Allowing Russian‑derived fuels to enter via third countries reduces pressure on domestic supply and may prevent price spikes ahead of the busy summer travel season. However, it also creates a loophole that could prolong Russia’s revenues.
Critics warn that such loopholes weaken the credibility of sanctions and could encourage other countries to adopt similar measures.
For UK aviation and freight, the carve‑out offers short‑term relief. Airlines had warned of potential summer shortages of jet fuel and have already raised fares to cope. Nevertheless, the political backlash suggests the government will face pressure to implement the ban once alternative supplies are secured, possibly by increasing imports from non‑Russian sources or boosting domestic refining.
Longer‑term, the episode highlights Britain’s vulnerability to fuel supply shocks and the need for a diversified, low‑carbon transport fuel strategy.
Investing in sustainable aviation fuel and electrification could reduce dependence on imported jet fuel. Meanwhile, policymakers must balance energy security with geopolitical commitments, a theme that will persist as conflicts and sanctions reshape global energy trade.
