U.S. Issues Temporary License for Certain Russian Oil Cargoes Already at Sea

Addis Ababa, March 13, 2026 (FMC) — The United States has issued a temporary license allowing certain transactions involving Russian oil cargoes that were already loaded onto vessels before March 12, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

The authorization permits the sale, transport and unloading of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that were loaded prior to the specified date, provided the transactions are completed within a limited timeframe.

According to Reuters, the general license will remain valid for 30 days, until April 11, 2026.

The measure applies only to shipments that were already at sea before the cut-off date and does not represent a broader change to existing sanctions on Russian energy exports.

Officials indicated that the authorization was issued to allow previously loaded cargoes to complete their delivery under the temporary arrangement.