Trump Eyes Jones Act Waiver Extension for Oil Shipments

The Trump administration is considering extending a temporary waiver of the Jones Act, a century-old maritime law, to facilitate domestic oil shipments and mitigate rising fuel prices amid the ongoing war in Iran. The 60-day exemption, issued by President Donald Trump on March 18, is set to expire in mid-May, and officials are weighing its renewal as global energy disruptions continue to strain U.S. supply chains.

The Jones Act, formally the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, mandates that goods transported between U.S. ports must be carried on American-built, owned, and crewed vessels. This requirement has historically limited shipping options and increased costs, particularly for oil and refined products that often need to move between refining hubs and demand centers. In response to the Middle East conflict, which has led to a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and spiked international crude prices, the initial waiver allowed foreign-flagged tankers to participate in domestic trade for oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal.

White House data indicates the measure has already enabled significant activity. Since taking effect, more than 40 tankers have delivered oil between...