US extends Jones Act waiver as Iran war disrupts fuel supplies
90-day measure allows selected foreign-flagged vessels to transport energy products between US ports amid mounting pressure on domestic fuel supplies
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — The administration of President Donald Trump has extended a limited waiver of the Jones Act for another 90 days, allowing certain foreign-flagged vessels to transport energy products between US ports as disruptions linked to the Iran war continue to affect energy supplies.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the latest waiver will be applied on a voyage-by-voyage basis rather than as a blanket exemption. The Pentagon will consult the US Maritime Administration to determine whether individual shipments qualify under the measure.
Rogers said the extension is intended to ensure that the US military and critical industries maintain reliable access to essential energy resources.
She also said government data showed that the previous waiver contributed to a significant increase in domestic deliveries of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, generally requires goods transported between US ports to be carried on vessels built, owned and operated by US interests.
Trump initially introduced the temporary waiver on March 17 for 60 days before extending it for another 90 days in May. The latest exemption is expected to remain in effect until around mid-November.
The administration narrowed the new waiver after US maritime industry representatives warned that a broader exemption could undermine American shipbuilders and domestic shipping companies.
According to US Maritime Administration data, around 210 voyages have been completed under the waiver that would otherwise have been prohibited by Jones Act restrictions. Most of the vessels involved transported gasoline or crude oil between US ports.
The latest extension comes as restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global energy markets and contribute to higher oil prices.
The strategic waterway is a major route for international energy shipments, making prolonged disruptions a concern for fuel-importing countries and major economies.
Meanwhile, US Strategic Petroleum Reserve holdings declined by approximately 6.1 million barrels last week to about 298.7 million barrels, according to government data. The level is the lowest recorded since 1983.
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