The UK has issued a licence allowing imports of diesel and jet fuel refined abroad from Russian crude under a sanctions carve-out, in a move aimed at easing fuel cost pressures on households and airlines06:46, 20 May 2026Britons could see some relief from soaring fuel costs after the country permitted imports of diesel and jet fuel refined overseas from Russian crude oil under a sanctions exemption.‌The move to import fuel refined abroad from Russian crude oil will ease restrictions as fuel prices rocket, heaping pressure on both airlines and households, largely as a consequence of the Iran war.‌Britain's decision follows a comparable move by the US.‌The US on Monday, May 18 extended a sanctions waiver allowing purchases of Russian seaborne oil to support energy-vulnerable countries experiencing supply disruptions tied to the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz trade route, through which 20% of global oil traded passes.However, the US decision has drawn criticism, with some arguing that extending the waivers has enabled the Kremlin to bolster its revenues and bankroll the war in Ukraine.‌Sanctions have aimed to limit Moscow's energy income since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, yet Russian crude continues to reach global markets, frequently through middlemen.Brent crude on Tuesday was trading around $110 a barrel, near recent highs, reflecting concerns over disrupted flows through the strait, Reuters news agency reported.Spiralling fuel costs have rattled the global economy and placed enormous strain on the aviation industry. Jet fuel prices have soared in recent months, with fuel capable of accounting for as much as a quarter of airlines' operating expenses. Airlines across the globe have reacted with ticket price hikes, reduced capacity and cautionary statements about declining profits.‌Soaring fuel costs have further compounded cost-of-living pressures across Britain, as the government battles to alleviate these burdens while wrestling with inflation and energy affordability issues.The licence, issued on Tuesday, May 19, grants exemptions where fuels are processed in third-party countries, but stipulates conditions including record-keeping obligations for businesses.Article continues belowThe new regulations come into force on Wednesday, May 20 and will remain in place indefinitely.However, they will be subject to periodic reviews and may be altered or withdrawn, the government confirmed in an official notice.In a separate development, Britain also issued a time-limited licence on Tuesday, covering the maritime transportation of liquefied natural gas from Russia's Sakhalin-2 and Yamal projects, along with associated services — including shipping, financing and brokering — under Russia sanctions regulations, valid until January 1 next year.