US waives shipping regulation for 60 days to ease fuel and fertiliser deliveries
Petrol prices have surged and fertiliser supplies have been disrupted since the start of the conflict
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[WASHINGTON] The Trump administration on Wednesday (Mar 18) announced a 60-day waiver of Jones Act shipping regulations to help ease deliveries of fuel and fertiliser to combat rising prices and supply disruptions caused by the conflict in Iran.
“President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the US military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.
“This action will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertiliser, and coal to flow freely to US ports for sixty days, and the Administration remains committed to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains,” she said.
High energy prices carry significant political risks for President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans, who have long argued that their policies would keep fuel affordable for American consumers.
US petrol prices have surged since the start of US and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb 28 as the conflict effectively closes the Strait of Hormuz, the outlet for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
The conflict has also disrupted fertiliser supplies, which is a major concern for US agricultural interests.
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Under the Jones Act, goods shipped between US ports must be carried on vessels that are US-built, US-flagged and mostly US-owned.
The requirement sharply limits the number of tankers available for domestic shipments, but is supported by maritime industry unions.
Waiving the rule temporarily would allow foreign ships to carry cargoes between US ports, potentially lowering shipping costs and speeding deliveries. Analysts have said, however, that the impact on pump prices will likely be minimal. REUTERS
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