The United States is extending a waiver on sanctions related to Russian seaborn oil for a further 30 days, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday.
Bessent wrote on X that the measure would "provide the most vulnerable nations with the ability to temporarily access Russian oil currently stranded at sea."
He said the extension would help stabilize crude oil markets and ensure supplies reach countries most exposed to energy-security risks.
The move comes as energy prices rise amid the war with Iran, and marks the third such temporary easing of restrictions after an earlier waiver expired over the weekend.
Critics say the decision, though limited in scope, could bolster Russia’s finances, as oil revenues remain a key source of funding for its war against Ukraine. US sanctions on Russia’s energy sector have been in place for years, with secondary sanctions threatening companies that continue trading with Moscow.
Bessent also said the measure would limit China’s ability to stockpile discounted Russian oil.
