US Treasury Extends Sanctions Waiver on Russian Oil Until May 2026

Here's what it means for you.
This extension could impact global oil prices and supply chains, affecting your business operations and costs.
What happened
On April 18, 2026, the US Treasury Department extended a temporary sanctions waiver allowing global buyers to purchase Russian crude oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels until May 16, 2026.
The Context
- Sanctions Background: Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, sanctions were imposed on Russian oil, including a $60 per barrel price cap.
- Market Volatility: The waiver comes amid energy market instability due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven oil prices up to $120/barrel.
- Political Reactions: Bipartisan US lawmakers criticized the waiver for potentially benefiting Russia and Iran, while India stands to gain from secured oil supplies.
The Number
— This is the estimated volume of additional Russian oil enabled for sale by the waiver extension, which could influence global oil supply and pricing dynamics.
Takeaway
Further waivers may be anticipated as tools to stabilize oil markets, suggesting ongoing fluctuations in energy costs.
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