The UK government has committed to banning imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil by 1 January 2027, according to a statement by Trade Minister Chris Bryant. The ban forms part of the government's sanctions on Moscow following the war with Ukraine.
Background of the Phase-Out
In May 2026, the government said it would gradually phase out the use of diesel and jet fuel refined in third countries from Russian crude oil, citing global oil supply issues. The decision prompted criticism from the EU, which warned it is "not the time to roll back sanctions" against Moscow.
Government Measures and Review
Chris Bryant said: "The end date is a clear signal that we continue to ratchet up maximum pressure on Russia." The temporary licence to import those products will be reviewed every two weeks, and could be revoked sooner than 1 January 2027, according to the government. Bryant added: "Today we're confirming that the government will include an end date of 1st January 2027 in the licence at the latest and that we will continue to keep the licence under continuous review."
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Stephen Doughty said: "These new measures that strengthen our sanctions will stop refined oil made from Russian crude from entering the UK 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."
Market Context
Global oil prices have been pushed up by the US and Israel conflict with Iran, as the effective halt of trade through the Strait of Hormuz has reduced global oil supplies, reported the BBC.
Criticism and Opposition
"It's absurd. On one hand we are giving Ukraine billions to fight off Russia. On the other we're giving Russia billions for their diesel and jet fuel to buy weapons to attack Ukraine. For anyone to not see the connection and absurdity, they must be willingly blind."
— Sir Bill Browder, longstanding critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking to the BBC, calling the decision "absurd" and claiming it provides billions of pounds of financing to Russia's war machine.
| Event | Date | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Government announces phased phase-out | May 2026 | Gradual phase-out of Russian crude-derived diesel and jet fuel imports |
| Ban takes effect | 1 January 2027 | Imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil prohibited |
| Licence review | Fortnightly | Temporary general licence may be revoked earlier than 1 January 2027 |
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