Britain Eases Russia Energy Sanctions Amid Mideast Crisis

(MENAFN) The UK government has quietly loosened a set of critical sanctions on Russian oil and liquefied natural gas, with officials arguing the concession is an unavoidable response to spiraling energy prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Taking effect Wednesday, the waiver broadens the permitted use of Russian oil refined into diesel and jet fuel in third-party countries. The move comes amid deepening anxiety over global energy market stability following the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since hostilities broke out in the US-Israel war with Iran.

Separately, a category of sanctions governing the transportation of Russian LNG has been suspended. The government also issued a time-restricted license permitting the maritime shipping of LNG and associated services under existing Russia sanctions regulations through January 1.

Cabinet ministers defended the decision by arguing the overall sanctions architecture targeting Moscow has grown more stringent, not less — and that narrow, temporary carve-outs were essential to securing critical fuel supplies.

The UK's move closely tracks a parallel decision made by the US, which itself drew fierce backlash from critics warning that Western governments are chipping away at the credibility of their support for Ukraine.

The energy price fallout has been severe. European jet fuel costs more than doubled immediately following the outbreak of the conflict, and while they have partially retreated, they remain roughly 50% above pre-war levels. British petrol prices have continued their upward climb.

Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson moved to contain the political damage, characterizing the adjustments as "small and specific" and "time-limited."

In an interview with media, he said the government is acting to "protect the security of supply for really important foundational goods in our economy such as jet fuel."

Acknowledging Ukraine, Tomlinson said the government remains committed to its ally but argued it had to "make the right and sensible decisions" when it came to vital products so that it could support families "struggling with the cost of living."

Criticism
The announcement immediately ignited dissent within Labour ranks. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, came out firmly against the sanctions rollback.

Speaking on a radio station, she said she had spoken with contacts in Ukraine overnight who were "very disappointed" by Britain's decision.

"We're talking about our allies in Ukraine who have been fighting a war bravely against Russia for years and years, with our support, and they have looked to Britain as one of their most important allies, and they don't understand," she said.

When asked whether the UK was simply mirroring similar steps taken by Spain and the US, Thornberry was unequivocal: "Just because other countries are behaving in the wrong way, does not mean we should join them."

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