Trump Extends Maritime Waiver to Ease Fuel Costs

(MENAFN) On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized a 90-day prolongation of his Jones Act exemption, permitting foreign vessels to transport petroleum between domestic ports as part of an effort to reduce national fuel expenses.

"President Trump issued a 90-day extension to the Jones Act waiver. New data compiled since the initial waiver was issued revealed that significantly more supply was able to reach U.S. ports faster," spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated on the U.S. social media platform X.

"This waiver extension provides both certainty and stability for the U.S. and global economies. The Trump Administration has taken several actions to mitigate short-term disruptions to the energy markets, and this extension will help ensure vital energy products, industrial materials, and agricultural necessities are maintained," she added.

The Jones Act, enacted in 1920, is a regulation mandating that cargo transported between U.S. ports must be carried on ships that are built, owned, and operated by Americans.

Trump first implemented a 60-day exemption on March 18 in response to increasing fuel costs associated with the Iran conflict, intending to relieve internal supply constraints and steady energy prices.

MENAFN25042026000045017167ID1111030522