The UK government has vowed to phase out Russian diesel and jet fuel imports by 1 January 2027, as part of its ongoing efforts to sanction Moscow following the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The ban will apply to diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil, with Trade Minister Chris Bryant stating that the end date is a 'clear signal' that the government continues to ratchet up maximum pressure on Russia.
Global oil prices have been pushed up by the US and Israel conflict with Iran, reducing global oil supplies. The UK's decision to phase out Russian diesel and jet fuel imports is aimed at maximising pressure on Russia while maintaining stability at home.
However, the move has been met with criticism from campaigners, who argue that it will provide billions of pounds of financing to Russia's war machine. Speaking to the BBC, Sir Bill Browder, a longstanding critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, described the decision as 'absurd'.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Stephen Doughty defended the government's decision, stating that the new measures will stop refined oil made from Russian crude from entering the UK through third countries.
The temporary licence to import those products will be reviewed every two weeks, with the government committed to lifting it as soon as practicable. The review process means the licence could be revoked sooner than 1 January.