U.S. issues new 30-day waiver for sale of Russian oil, adding Cuba, North Korea exceptions

The United States ‌issued a new general ​license on Thursday (March 19, 2026) ⁠to replace an earlier waiver for the sale of ‌Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products ‌loaded on tankers as ‌of ⁠March 12, according ⁠to the U.S. Treasury Department.

The license, which expires on ​April 11, ‌replaces and supersedes a similar 30-day sanctions waiver issued on March 12.

While ‌the main terms ​remain identical to those in the license ⁠issued earlier, Thursday’s (March 19, 2026) waiver specifically excludes transactions involving ‌North Korea, Cuba and Crimea.

The temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil is a part of the ‌Trump administration’s attempt to tame ​energy prices that have been driven higher ⁠by the West Asia ⁠conflict.