Amid soaring fuel prices and concerns over potential shortages of jet fuel supplies, the UK government has partially relaxed sanctions on imports of diesel and aviation fuel refined from Russian crude oil in third countries.

The Labour government said the limited easing of sanctions on Russian crude oil and petroleum products is intended to protect energy supply security. However, the Conservative Party criticized the move as “madness,” arguing that sanctions are being undermined for domestic political reasons.

UK Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday that the exemption is “small, targeted,” and only “temporary,” aimed at protecting supply security for essential commodities such as aviation fuel, which are critical to the economy.

Earlier this week, average gasoline prices in the UK climbed to their highest level since the escalation of the Iran conflict, adding further pressure on consumers already facing rising gas and energy costs.

Commenting on the decision to allow imports of diesel and jet fuel produced in third countries from Russian crude oil, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch posted on social media: “After 18 months, the Labour government has quietly approved imports of Russian oil refined in third countries. Yesterday, Labour MPs voted against licensing oil and gas drilling in the UK. We are now importing from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea.”

The UK’s decision to ease restrictions on fuel imports derived from Russian oil comes only days after the United States Department of the Treasury extended exemptions related to certain Russia sanctions, allowing Russian oil already at sea to continue being traded for another 30 days, until June 17.

The United States first introduced the exemption mechanism in March, permitting Russian crude oil carried on tankers to be sold without penalties as oil and fuel prices surged following the escalation of tensions involving Iran.

Source: Petrotimes