UK introduces additional restrictions on LNG from Russia, issues licenses for Sakhalin-2, Yamal LNG

LONDON. May 20 (Interfax) - London's decision to allow the import of diesel fuel and kerosene produced from Russian oil in third countries on a permanent basis should not be considered a relaxation of the sanctions, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday.

"These are new sanctions being phased in. This is not a question of lifting existing sanctions. We will continue to work with our allies on further sanction packages," The Guardian quoted him as saying.

"What we announced yesterday was a strong new package of new sanctions going well beyond the existing sanctions.[...] This includes new bans on maritime services on LNG, and new bans on refined oil products from Russia," he said.

Starmer said the decision to allow the import of diesel fuel and kerosene produced from Russian oil in third countries is a measure to protect British consumers.

Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch sharply criticized Starmer's position. She said she believes the prime minister is trying to hide the de facto relaxation of the restrictions.

It was reported on Tuesday that the UK issued a license allowing imports of diesel and jet fuel produced in third countries from sanctioned Russian oil.

According to published documents, the UK has imposed sanctions on the maritime transportation of Russian LNG from Russia to third countries or between third countries and the provision of related financial and brokerage services. At the same time, the UK has issued a separate license allowing the provision of such transportation services for LNG originating from the Sakhalin-2 plant, whose principal shareholder is Gazprom, and Yamal LNG plant, whose principal shareholder is Novatek, under contracts valid up to one year until January 1, 2027.