The UK government has published a document on its website authorizing the indefinite import of diesel fuel and jet fuel produced from Russian crude oil in third countries. The license comes into effect on May 20, 2026, and, according to the announcement, has no expiration date. However, the UK Home Secretary has the right to amend, revoke, or suspend it at any time, providing four months' notice. She will "endeavor" to do so.

This decision was made amid the global energy crisis triggered by the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil supplies previously passed. Due to the closure of this strategically important artery, energy and jet fuel prices worldwide rose sharply, and airlines began canceling flights. International Energy Agency (IEA) head Fatih Birol called the current oil crisis worse than the crises of 1973, 1979, and 1990 combined. In mid-April, he warned that European jet fuel reserves would last approximately six weeks.