The United States has temporarily authorized the purchase of Russian oil that was already loaded on ships before a determined date, an exceptional measure aimed at alleviating tension in international energy markets amid the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.
The decision has been adopted by the U.S. Treasury Department through a general license that allows completing certain operations with Russian crude oil that were already in transit. The authorization will be limited in nature and will be valid until April 11, 2026, according to information disseminated by various international media.
The measure is framed within the sanctions regime imposed on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, which remains fully in force. Washington has not lifted energy restrictions nor has it authorized new contracts with the Russian oil sector, but only the completion of previously initiated operations.
A specific exception within the sanctions regime
The license issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) allows Russian oil shipments that were already on ships to be bought or delivered without violating sanctions. The objective is to avoid additional distortions in the international energy market.
The US authorities consider that allowing the sale of crude oil that was already produced and loaded on ships does not represent a significant increase in revenue for Moscow, but it can contribute to increasing the available supply in the short term.
The background: energy tension due to the crisis in the Middle East
The authorization takes place in a context of strong volatility in international energy markets, marked by the conflict in the Middle East and the uncertainty about maritime traffic on strategic oil routes.
Tensions in the region have driven crude prices in recent days and have increased fears of possible disruptions to global supply. In this scenario, the US Administration seeks to avoid a sharp rise in energy prices that could affect both consumers and international economic stability.
No changes in Western strategy against Russia
Despite this specific exception, the United States maintains its sanctions policy against the Russian energy sector intact. The restrictions imposed after the start of the war in Ukraine remain in force and continue to be aimed at reducing the Kremlin's energy revenues.
In parallel, the European Union maintains its strategy to progressively reduce its dependence on gas and oil coming from Russia, within the framework of its energy policy after the outbreak of the conflict in 2022.
The US authorization, therefore, does not imply a change of course in the sanctions policy, but a technical and temporary measure to manage the current tensions of the global energy market.