Overview
- The Treasury, which posted General License 134B on Friday, opened a window through May 16 for Russian oil and fuels loaded by April 17, replacing a waiver that expired April 11.
- The authorization is narrow and time‑boxed, and it bars any transactions tied to Iran, Cuba, North Korea, and Russian‑occupied regions of Ukraine.
- Officials framed the step as relief for tight markets during the Iran conflict that has choked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that once carried roughly one‑fifth of global oil and gas.
- India stands out as a beneficiary, with reports of orders around 30 million barrels under the earlier window and a March jump in Russian fossil‑fuel imports to roughly €5.8–€6.3 billion.
- The move drew bipartisan criticism in Washington and concern from European leaders, while Reuters reported partner pressure and a Trump–Modi call on oil, and one sanctions expert warned more waivers may follow if supply strains persist.