UK eases sanctions on Russian oil as fuel prices surge over Iran conflict
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- The U.K. government has delayed some sanctions on Russian oil, allowing imports of refined products like jet fuel and diesel from third countries, to protect British consumers amid soaring fuel prices caused by the Iran war's impact on the Strait of Hormuz.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that these are phased-in sanctions and not a lifting of existing measures, with the government issuing targeted short-term licenses subject to regular review.
- The decision has drawn criticism from opposition figures and some lawmakers who argue it undermines support for Ukraine by easing pressure on Russia’s oil industry, while Ukrainian officials are engaging with the U.K. for clarification.
- The U.S. has also eased certain Russian oil sanctions, extending a waiver for shipments already at sea, even as G7 finance ministers reaffirm their commitment to imposing severe costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine.
- Analysts warn that these temporary carve-outs may symbolically weaken the sanctions regime, potentially signaling to Moscow a lack of full Western resolve.