The United Kingdom has quietly expanded its import permissions for certain petroleum products, allowing diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude oil in third-party countries to enter the UK market. The move, which took effect on May 20, is tied to supply pressures stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict, according to Ship & Bunker.
What the New Licence Covers
The measure was introduced through a General Trade Licence, issued under amendments to the UK’s Russia sanctions regime. According to updated guidance published by the UK Government, the licence covers diesel and jet fuel that have been processed from Russian crude oil in third countries — meaning fuels refined in nations such as India or Turkey, which purchase Russian crude and convert it into refined petroleum products, can now lawfully be imported into the UK.
The UK Government stated that the measures are designed to prevent Russian oil from entering the country indirectly through overseas refinery operations, though the new licence does create a pathway for products where the feedstock originates from Russia.
Bunker Fuel Clarification for Vessels
Alongside the new import provisions, the updated guidance also addressed a separate matter relevant to shipping: bunker fuel compliance at UK ports.
According to Ship & Bunker, the UK Government clarified that vessels calling at UK ports are not required to verify the origin of the crude oil used to produce whatever bunker fuel is carried onboard, provided that fuel is intended for the operational use of the vessel on its voyage.
The guidance, as quoted by Ship & Bunker, states: “Vessels entering UK ports are not required to verify the origin of the crude oil used for processing the bunker fuel, as long as the bunker fuel is required for the operation of the vessel pursuing the voyage.”
Does This Matter to You?
This development is relevant to a broad cross-section of the maritime and bunkering industry.
For vessel operators and ship managers calling at UK ports, the clarification on bunker fuel origin verification removes a potential compliance burden. Operators are not expected to trace the crude oil feedstock behind their onboard fuel, which provides practical relief given the complexity of global fuel supply chains.
For fuel traders, charterers, and bunker suppliers operating in or supplying the UK market, the new General Trade Licence opens a legal pathway for diesel and jet fuel products refined from Russian crude in countries like India and Turkey — a significant shift given the broader UK sanctions framework targeting Russian oil flows.
For ports and logistics operators, the relaxation signals that UK supply security concerns — linked in this case to the Iran conflict — are influencing how sanctions exemptions are structured and applied.
The guidance took effect May 20, 2026, and those involved in UK fuel trade or vessel operations should review the updated UK Government sanctions guidance carefully.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
