Britain has confirmed it will end imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude oil by 1 January 2027, closing a temporary exemption that has drawn criticism from campaigners and raised questions over the strength of Western sanctions on Moscow.
The measure targets refined fuel produced in third countries, where Russian crude can be processed and then sold on as diesel or aviation fuel. Ministers said the deadline is intended to give suppliers time to adjust while ensuring that Russian-linked energy products are removed from the UK market.
The decision follows months of pressure over the temporary licence, which was introduced amid concerns about global fuel supply. The government has argued that some flexibility was needed to protect domestic stability, especially as oil markets face further strain from the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
“The end date is a clear signal that we continue to ratchet up maximum pressure on Russia,” Trade Minister Chris Bryant said.
The licence will still be reviewed every two weeks, allowing ministers to withdraw it earlier if supply conditions improve. Bryant said the government remained committed to lifting the exemption as soon as it was practical to do so.
The announcement comes as oil prices remain volatile because of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments. Brent crude had been trading at about $70 a barrel before the latest escalation, but has since risen to roughly $87 as traders weigh the risk of tighter supplies.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Stephen Doughty said the measures would prevent fuel made from Russian crude from entering Britain through third countries.
“We are maximising pressure on Russia while maintaining stability at home, and we will continue to use every lever available to debilitate Putin’s war machine and support Ukraine.”
Critics, however, say the exemption should have been scrapped sooner. Sir Bill Browder, a longstanding critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, told the BBC the policy was “absurd,” arguing that it risked helping Moscow finance its war while Britain continued to support Kyiv.
“On one hand we are giving Ukraine billions to fight off Russia. On the other hand, we’re giving Russia billions for their diesel and jet fuel to buy weapons to attack Ukraine.”