MARKET STRUCTURE · REGULATORY · USA
US issues general license for Russian oil
Change
The United States issued a general license on March 19, 2026, replacing a prior waiver and authorizing sales of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products loaded on tankers by March 12.
Why it matters
The United States issued the general license on March 19, 2026, replacing a 30-day waiver issued on March 12. The license covers Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products that were loaded on tankers as of March 12. The license supersedes the prior March 12 waiver and establishes a defined compliance window. The license expires on April 11, 2026.
Implications
- · Allows sale and transfer of eligible Russian-origin cargoes loaded by March 12 under the terms of the new license through April 11, 2026.
- · Supersedes operational reliance on the March 12 waiver and requires transactions to reference the new license for covered cargoes.
- · Creates a fixed compliance window for sanctions teams and transaction processors handling eligible shipments.
Who is affected
- · Exporters and sellers of Russian-origin crude and petroleum products
- · Tanker operators and charterers handling eligible cargoes
- · Sanctions and compliance teams processing authorizations
What to watch
- · License expires April 11, 2026
- · Eligible cargoes must have been loaded on tankers by March 12, 2026
Source
Topics
World & Politics Trade & Tariffs Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Energy & Power Oil & Gas