Overview
- The government implemented the change on Wednesday by permitting imports of jet fuel and diesel that were refined in third countries from Russian crude and by temporarily relaxing some rules on LNG shipping and services.
- Rules for diesel and jet fuel refined abroad have been published as applying for an indefinite duration while the temporary permissions for seaborne LNG transport and related services run until 1 January 2027.
- Ministers argue the move is a stepwise measure to prevent shortages and blunt steep price rises caused by the Iran war and blockages near the Strait of Hormuz, with UK pump prices at multi‑year highs according to the RAC.
- Opposition figures and Ukrainian representatives say the exemptions weaken pressure on Moscow, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calling the policy a de facto licence for Russian oil refined abroad.
- Analysts warn the policy may have limited market benefit while causing reputational damage for the UK and aligning London with recent US exceptions, and the government has announced measures such as delaying a planned fuel duty rise to ease pressure on consumers.