UK’s PM Gets Criticized Over Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver, Fuel Policy

(MENAFN) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his government’s decision to ease parts of its sanctions regime on Russian oil products, as concerns grow over domestic fuel supply stability.

The move drew sharp criticism during Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who accused the government of inconsistency in its energy policy, according to reports.

Badenoch argued that Britain was permitting increased imports of fuel linked to Russian crude processed abroad while at the same time restricting domestic production in the North Sea.

She told MPs that the country was “losing a thousand jobs a month in oil and gas,” and questioned the government’s stance by asking why “oil from Russia is acceptable, but oil from Aberdeen is not.”

According to reports, the UK government said the adjustment to sanctions is temporary and applies to Russian-origin oil products refined in third countries, particularly diesel and jet fuel, as global supply chains come under strain.

Officials cited growing pressure on energy markets following disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

The waiver took effect immediately and is intended to help stabilize fuel availability and ease pressure on prices while broader market disruptions continue.

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