Russian oil draws buyers after U.S. temporary sanctions waiver

A temporary waiver issued by the U.S. Treasury allowing limited transactions involving Russian oil has sparked renewed buying interest in cargoes that had been stranded at sea due to sanctions. The 30‑day authorization has opened a short window for refiners and traders to secure shipments that were already loaded on tankers but unable to reach buyers.

Washington said the measure is intended to prevent disruptions in global energy supply and stabilize oil markets during heightened geopolitical tensions. The license permits the delivery and sale of Russian crude and petroleum products that had already been loaded onto vessels before the waiver took effect.

Refiners, particularly in Asia, have begun assessing available cargoes as the temporary relief creates an opportunity to access discounted Russian barrels. Market analysts say millions of barrels of crude sitting on tankers could find buyers during the waiver period, easing near‑term supply concerns.

Despite the market response, the move has drawn criticism from Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that easing restrictions on Russian oil could strengthen Moscow by increasing energy revenues used to finance the war. U.S. officials, however, stress that the waiver is narrowly targeted and designed only to allow already‑loaded cargoes to enter the market without significantly benefiting Russia.