Business · Energy & Commodities · 4 hrs ago
US considers easing sanctions on some shadow fleet tankers
The US administration is considering easing sanctions on some tankers known as the shadow fleet, which has carried oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela.
The proposal would allow these vessels to transport oil deemed legal under the plan.
Companies wanting to use them would need permission from the US Treasury Department.
The White House believes the change could lower tanker shipping costs, which are at record highs, and help more oil and oil products leave the Persian Gulf.
Experts say easing US sanctions may not lower rates because insurers would still need to follow EU and UK rules restricting the shadow fleet.
The proposal is still under discussion, and the White House has not commented publicly.
The US has already partially lifted sanctions on Russian diesel, after President Donald Trump said on October 9 that Russia and the US had agreed to supply it to US and global markets.
The US administration is discussing a partial easing of sanctions on tankers in the so-called shadow fleet.
The vessels have carried oil and petroleum products from countries including Russia, Iran and Venezuela.
The White House believes easing restrictions could lower record-high tanker freight rates and help more oil and oil products leave the Persian Gulf.
Companies seeking to use the vessels for legal oil shipments would need permission from the US Treasury Department.
Experts cited by Reuters said the change is unlikely to lower freight rates because EU and UK rules would still apply to insurers.
- Who
- The US administration is considering the change. Companies using the vessels would need a US Treasury Department permit.
- What
- The US may partially ease sanctions on shadow fleet tankers to allow legal oil shipments.
- When
- The administration is discussing the proposal as of October 15, 2026.
- Where
- The proposal concerns oil shipments from countries including Russia, Iran and Venezuela, and oil and oil products leaving the Persian Gulf.
- Why
- The White House believes the change could lower record-high tanker freight rates.
The White House
Experts cited by Reuters
Effect on freight rates
The White House
The White House believes easing restrictions could lower record-high tanker freight rates.
Experts cited by Reuters
The experts said a partial easing is unlikely to lower rates.
Insurance rules
The White House
Not stated.
Experts cited by Reuters
Insurers would still have to comply with EU and UK law, which is not expected to ease restrictions on the shadow fleet.
Donald Trump announced that Russia and the US had agreed to the supply of Russian diesel fuel to American and global markets.
Reports said the US administration was discussing a partial easing of sanctions on shadow fleet tankers.
- Countries named
- Russia, Iran and Venezuela
- Permit authority
- US Treasury Department
- Reported date
- October 15, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
is considering easing sanctions on so-called shadow fleet vessels that have transported oil and petroleum products from countries including Russia, Iran and Venezuela, in an effort to reduce record-high global freight rates.