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Oil: Russia

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 1 June 2026UIN 3626

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the Notice 'General Trade Licence for sanctioned processed oil product', published on 19 May 2026, for what reason he has permitted the importation of oil and oil products which fall within commodity code 2709, and originate in Russia.

Answered by Chris Bryant

On 20 May 2026, the UK introduced new sanctions to further target Russian revenues and degrade its ability to wage its illegal war in Ukraine. Alongside these measures, general trade licences for refined oil and liquid natural gas (LNG) were issued to ensure a managed and phased implementation of complex restrictions. The licences respectively permit the import of diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude and limited UK involvement in the maritime transportation of certain Russian LNG on the spot market. They provide targeted, temporary flexibility to safeguard UK energy supply and global market stability. They will be kept under close review and may be amended, suspended or revoked as appropriate.

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