Overview
- The waiver permits foreign-flagged vessels to carry crude, refined fuels, natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal and fertilizer between U.S. ports for two months.
- The White House cast the move as an emergency step to reduce short‑term oil market disruptions and keep supplies flowing to population centers and military installations.
- Oil and gasoline remain elevated as Hormuz traffic is throttled, with Brent near $109, U.S. crude around $98 and the U.S. average gas price at $3.84 per gallon versus $2.92 a month ago, according to AAA.
- Expected consumer impact is modest, with estimates ranging from roughly 3 cents per gallon on the East Coast to offsetting 3–10 cents of increases, and experts caution that the global supply shortfall limits price relief.
- The action complements a 172‑million‑barrel U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve release within a 400‑million‑barrel IEA effort and a new Treasury license easing some PDVSA dealings, while U.S. maritime unions warn the waiver undercuts domestic shipbuilding and labor standards.