MARKET STRUCTURE · INDIA
U.S. authorises purchase of stranded Russian oil
Change
On March 13, 2026, the U.S. authorised other countries to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea.
Why it matters
On March 13, 2026, the U.S. issued a temporary authorisation permitting countries to purchase Russian crude that was stranded at sea. The authorisation targets barrels that had been unable to be offloaded and remained at sea. The scope covers foreign purchasers acquiring those specific cargoes under the U.S. pathway. The authorisation is temporary and applies from the announcement date.
Implications
- • Creates an authorised route for transfer of ownership and physical offloading of previously stranded Russian crude.
- • Allows international traders and importers to complete purchase documentation for those designated cargoes under U.S. policy.
- • Permits shipping operators to resume delivery and offloading operations for affected shipments.
- • Provides a U.S. policy basis for trade finance and insurance on transactions involving those barrels.
Who is affected
- • International oil traders and importers
- • Shipping operators and shipowners
- • National energy procurement teams and state oil companies
- • Trade finance and insurance teams
What to watch
- • Effective date: March 13, 2026
Source
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