The Government has today confirmed the timeline for phasing in its ban on imports of refined oil derived from Russia, as part of the recently announced package of sanctions to further squeeze Putin's war machine.
- UK sets out timeline for phasing in a full ban on diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude to cut off funding for Putin's war in Ukraine.
- UK confirms the temporary licence for phasing in the ban will expire by the 1 January 2027.
- The Government will continue to review the licence every two weeks, in line with our intention to lift the licence as soon as possible.
The Government has today confirmed the timeline for phasing in its ban on imports of refined oil derived from Russia, as part of the recently announced package of sanctions to further squeeze Putin's war machine.
This package builds on the UK's existing sanctions regime on Russian oil, including the long-standing ban on imports of crude oil and refined products directly from Russia.
On 20 May, the UK went further by introducing a new ban on refined oil made from Russian crude in third countries.
The Government made clear at the time that, in line with approaches commonly used by international partners, these measures would be phased in to ensure market flexibility while increasing pressure on Russia.
Therefore, a targeted licence was introduced to support UK supply chains during the transition. This licence included allowing the continued import of diesel and jet fuel, ensuring flexibility while the new restrictions take effect. The licence was always intended to be temporary and designed to be removed as soon as possible to maximise pressure on Russia.
Alongside a commitment to review on a fortnightly basis, the Government has also today confirmed it is setting an end date of 1 January 2027 for the refined oil licence to help industry plan. This sets a timeline for fully phasing in the ban and shutting down this remaining route for Russian oil. Regular reviews will continue to ensure the licence is lifted at the earliest possible date.
The refined oil measure forms part of a wider package announced on 20 May to ramp up pressure on Russia's economy, including new restrictions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) maritime services. Together, these measures are designed to cut off key revenue streams that fund Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
The UK continues to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and work closely with international partners to keep up the pressure on Russia's economy and degrade Putin's war machine.
The UK has now sanctioned over 3,300 individuals, businesses, and vessels under its Russia regime. In total, international sanctions have deprived Russia's economy of over $450 billion, placing sustained pressure on its ability to fund its war.
As Russia desperately tries to find alternatives to its floundering oil industry, the government is keeping up the pressure, targeting routes previously used to bypass western sanctions and sending a clear message that the UK, in lockstep with allies, will continue to act on evasion.
Trade Minister Chris Bryant said:
We're ratcheting up our sanctions regime to squeeze Russia's ability to fund the illegal war against Ukraine in a phased and responsible way.
I made a commitment to the House of Commons that we would review the temporary general licence for diesel and jet fuel on a fortnightly basis and lift it as soon as practicable. 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.
The end date is a clear signal that we continue to ratchet up maximum pressure on Russia.
FCDO Minister Stephen Doughty said:
The UK is ramping up pressure on Putin's regime and cutting off the revenues that fuel his war in Ukraine.
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.
