US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver

The U.S. Treasury Department has extended a temporary waiver on sanctions covering Russian oil shipments, a move aimed at easing supply shortages linked to the ongoing Iran war, according to officials.

The so-called general license will allow U.S. sanctions relief for 30 days on Russian crude that was loaded onto tankers as of Friday (April 17). It follows a similar 30-day exemption issued in March covering oil loaded before March 11, Caliber.Az reports via American media.

The extension highlights how disruptions from the Iran war have increased the market importance of Russian energy exports, despite Western restrictions imposed after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had earlier signalled a stricter stance, saying in Washington this week that the measure would not be renewed.

“We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil, and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil,” he said.

The administration has not yet explained the reversal in policy.

The waiver comes as global energy markets remain under pressure, with supply routes disrupted and volatility rising across key oil benchmarks.

Officials have also been navigating broader geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Iran and Western allies, while seeking to prevent sharp spikes in energy prices.

By Aghakazim Guliyev