The United Kingdom government has relaxed some sanctions on Russian fuel imports as rising global energy prices, driven by tensions in the Middle East, continue to pressure markets.

Under a new trade licence that took effect immediately, the UK will allow imports of Russian crude oil refined in third countries, including India. The Department for Business and Trade said the licence is of “indefinite duration” but will be reviewed periodically.

The government also announced a temporary easing of restrictions on liquefied natural gas linked to certain Russian plants.

Britain introduced wide-ranging sanctions against Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting oil exports and imposing penalties on more than 3,000 individuals and organisations.

The latest move comes after the United States extended a waiver allowing Russian oil cargoes already at sea to continue moving through global markets. The waiver was renewed amid concerns that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could further disrupt global oil supplies.

Iran had earlier disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes launched in February, contributing to a sharp rise in fuel prices worldwide. Shipping activity in the waterway has since improved following a ceasefire.

The European Union criticised the easing of restrictions during a recent G7 finance ministers’ meeting attended by the UK. EU Economics Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said it was not the right time to reduce pressure on Russia.

UK Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson defended the decision, saying the measure was necessary to protect Britain’s economic interests amid the energy crisis.

“The government announced yesterday this time-limited change to the rules around oil and refining, given the extremes of the impacts of the conflict in Iran,” Tomlinson told Sky News.

Opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the policy shift, accusing the Labour government of quietly weakening its stance against Russia after previously pledging strong opposition to President Vladimir Putin.