Russian Oil Given Relief as Western Allies Criticise US Policy
JAKARTA — The United States government has taken emergency action by easing certain sanctions against Russian oil amid a surge in global energy prices triggered by conflict in the Middle East.
According to Reuters, the temporary policy aims to ease pressure on global oil supply, but has provoked criticism from Western allies and concerns that Russia will obtain additional revenue to finance the war in Ukraine.
The measure consists of providing limited exceptions that allow Russian oil already at sea to be shipped to buyers without being subject to US secondary sanctions.
The policy applies until 11 April and covers shipments that have been loaded until mid-March 2026.
Amid global supply disruptions, the oil market remains at elevated levels. Brent crude oil reference prices even surpassed the $100 per barrel mark yesterday, Friday 13 March 2026.
According to The New York Post, this reflects increased geopolitical tensions and concerns about the stability of global energy distribution.
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor that channels approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day, has sparked concerns about global supply shortages.
In response, the United States is attempting to open additional supply by allowing Russian oil shipments already at sea to reach their refinery destinations.
According to Marketwatch, the volume of affected oil is estimated at approximately 100 to 130 million barrels, although analysts assess that this volume is only equivalent to slightly more than one day of global demand.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, according to Associated Press, stated that the measure would not provide new revenue to Russia because taxes on that oil had already been collected at the time of production.
Although the easing of sanctions is expected to reduce market volatility, global oil prices continue to show a high trend. Brent crude oil prices are noted to have reached approximately $103 per barrel, whilst West Texas Intermediate crude oil reference prices are also approaching $100 per barrel.