NEW YORK (Realist English). The administration of US President Donald Trump has extended temporary waivers for Russian oil supplies for the third consecutive time, allowing Indian and other Asian refineries to continue purchasing seaborne Russian crude.
The decision comes amid ongoing instability in global energy markets following the Strait of Hormuz crisis and continued increases in fuel prices.
Temporary mechanism
The temporary waiver mechanism was initially introduced after shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global oil flows. It applied to crude cargoes that had already been loaded onto tankers before stricter restrictions entered into force.
Extension of licences
The licences have been extended several times — first in April and again on 16 May 2026. Officials from the US Treasury Department previously stated that the mechanism was temporary and aimed at preventing additional pressure on global energy markets.
The latest licence was published several days after the previous waiver period expired.
Reasons for the extension
US authorities officially explain the extension as necessary to maintain stable energy supplies for countries heavily dependent on imported fuel.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the mechanism helps ensure oil access for the most vulnerable economies and reduces risks of shortages on global markets.
India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian oil. According to analytics firm Kpler, India’s imports of Russian crude reached approximately 2.3 million barrels per day in May 2026.
Analysts also note that elevated global oil prices continue to support Russia’s export revenues.
Impact on the US domestic market
At the same time, the US administration is attempting to limit fuel price growth on the domestic market. Despite several measures — including releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and discussions of additional tax relief — average petrol prices in the United States remain high at around $4.5 per gallon.
Experts say that the temporary waivers for Russian oil have had only a limited impact on fuel prices for American consumers, as prices continue to depend primarily on broader global market conditions and logistical constraints.
Market reaction and expert assessments
Some Western analysts believe Washington’s decision is primarily aimed at avoiding further price spikes and supply disruptions in Asia.
Experts from consulting firm Obsidian Risk Advisors note that the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly complicated the situation for major oil-importing countries.
Indian officials have stated that global markets remain adequately supplied through alternative deliveries from the United States and Middle Eastern producers, meaning potential future changes to sanctions policy are unlikely to cause serious shortages.
Energy market analysts also point to the contradiction between sanctions policy and the need to preserve stability in global oil supplies.
The continued extension of waivers for Russian oil deliveries reflects the difficult situation on global energy markets. On the one hand, Washington maintains sanctions pressure on both Moscow and Tehran. On the other, instability in the Middle East and persistently high oil prices are forcing the United States to consider risks to the global economy and the domestic fuel market.
The situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and global energy supplies remains one of the key factors shaping the sanctions and energy policies of the world’s major powers.