U.S. Extends Russian Oil Waiver 30 Days, Bars Cuba, North Korea
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- U.S. Treasury Department issued a new general license on March 19, 2026, replacing an earlier 30-day sanctions waiver for Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products loaded on tankers as of March 12.
- The new license expires on April 11 and supersedes the previous March 12 waiver.
- The updated waiver specifically excludes transactions involving North Korea, Cuba, and Crimea, additions that distinguish it from the earlier license.
- The main terms remain identical to those in the March 12 waiver, per the Treasury Department.
- The temporary easing of Russian oil sanctions is part of the Trump administration's effort to tame energy prices driven higher by the West Asia conflict.
Why it matters: For shippers, refiners, and buyers handling Russian oil already at sea, the Treasury's renewal extends a critical compliance window through April 11. By carving out North Korea, Cuba, and Crimea, the U.S. preserves visible sanctions red lines while letting Russian crude keep flowing to ease prices spiked by the West Asia conflict — giving short-term energy relief priority over full enforcement.
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