The Trump administration is preparing to extend a shipping exemption that permits foreign tankers to transport oil and gasoline within U.S. waters, a move intended to address supply disruptions and rising prices linked to tensions with Iran.
According to sources familiar with the matter, a decision to continue waiving energy transportation requirements under the 1920 Jones Act could be announced as early as Friday, with a planned 90-day extension. The sources requested anonymity because the discussions are not public.
The current waiver, which is set to expire on May 17, effectively exempts crude oil, refined fuels, natural gas, fertilizers, and other bulk commodities from provisions of the law. The Jones Act mandates that cargo shipped between U.S. ports must be transported on vessels that are U.S.-flagged, built, and owned.
It remains unclear which specific commodities will be covered under the extension. A White House official confirmed that an extension of the waiver is under consideration but did not provide further details.
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