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An aerial view of the Stanlow Refinery located in Ellesmere Port, UK, on April 22 (local time). / EPA·Yonhap

The United Kingdom has decided to invoke a sanctions exemption to allow the import of diesel and jet fuel refined overseas from Russian crude oil, Reuters reported on May 19 (local time).

The regulatory easing comes amid skyrocketing fuel costs driven by conflicts in the Middle East, which have placed a heavy financial burden on airlines and households alike.

The move follows a similar decision by the United States. Just a day prior, the U.S. extended a sanctions waiver allowing the purchase of seaborne Russian crude oil to alleviate fuel supply disruptions faced by energy-vulnerable nations.

Critics, however, have long argued that such measures allow Russia to generate more revenue, which it can then use to fund its war in Ukraine and kill innocent people.

On May 19, Brent crude traded at around $110 per barrel. The price appears to reflect growing anxiety over potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Surging fuel costs are creating a ripple effect across the global economy. In recent months, jet fuel prices have spiked, placing an mounting financial strain on commercial carriers.

Airlines worldwide are responding by raising fares, scaling back capacity, and warning of deteriorating corporate earnings.