Relief For India: US Extends Russia Oil Waiver Till May 16 As Hormuz Blockade Disrupts Gulf Supply

Amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, the Trump administration has extended a key sanctions waiver, allowing countries to continue buying Russian oil shipped via sea routes for another month. The decision offers continued relief to major importers like India, which have relied on such exemptions to maintain energy supplies.

According to an updated licence issued by the US Treasury Department late Friday (local time), transactions involving Russian oil loaded onto vessels will be permitted until May 16.

The extension comes just two days after treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had publicly indicated that there were no plans to extend such waivers.

ALSO READ: ‘Transaction Not 100% Complete’: Trump Keeps Iran Blockade Despite Hormuz Opening

“We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil. That was oil that was on the water prior to March 11. So all that has been used,” said Bessent at a press conference.

The new authorisation replaces a previous 30-day waiver that expired on April 11. While it allows continued purchases under specific conditions, it explicitly excludes transactions involving Iran, Cuba, and North Korea.

ALSO READ: Double Murder In Delhi’s CR Park: Father-Son Killed Over Money Dispute, Accused On Run

However, the move has sparked criticism from US lawmakers across party lines, who argue that extending such waivers could indirectly support the economies of Russia and Iran, both of which remain at odds with Washington and its allies.