The government of the United Kingdom has relaxed some sanctions on Russian fuel imports as rising global energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict continue to pressure fuel supplies.

The UK government announced on Wednesday that it would allow the importation of Russian crude oil refined in third countries, including India, under a new trade licence that took immediate effect.

According to the Department for Business and Trade, the licence is of indefinite duration but will be reviewed periodically.

The government also introduced a temporary waiver easing restrictions on liquefied natural gas originating from selected Russian facilities.

Britain had imposed extensive sanctions on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting oil exports as well as thousands of Russian individuals and businesses.

The latest move comes after the United States extended a sanctions waiver for Russian oil shipments already at sea, as the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to affect global oil supply and drive up energy prices.

The European Union reportedly criticised the extension of the US waiver during a meeting of G7 finance ministers attended by the UK.

EU Economics Commissioner, Valdis Dombrovskis, said the situation was not the right time to reduce pressure on Russia.

Defending the UK government’s decision, Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson said the temporary adjustment was aimed at protecting national interests in the face of the energy crisis caused by the conflict in Iran.

Mr Tomlinson stated that the government introduced the measure because of the impact of the Middle East conflict on global energy markets and its effect on Britain.

The crisis intensified after Iran reportedly disrupted activities around the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli strikes launched in February, although maritime traffic in the area has gradually resumed following a ceasefire.

Reacting to the policy shift, opposition Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, criticised the Labour government, accusing it of quietly permitting Russian oil imports through third countries despite earlier commitments to stand firmly against Russia.