Washington weighs easing 'shadow fleet' sanctions to lower shipping costs

With tanker freight rates at record highs, the Trump administration is considering easing sanctions on 'shadow fleet' vessels to cut shipping prices.

• An American official said the administration is discussing easing sanctions on shadow fleet tankers ferrying oil from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to reduce global shipping costs.
• The talks follow Trump's suspension of sanctions on Russian diesel fuel through April 7, which Zelensky and Senate Republicans called a gift to Putin.
• Energy Secretary Chris Wright told the World Petroleum Congress in Riyadh the administration is weighing the easing to cut freight costs hurting US crude demand.
• The Energy Department said easing would not help Russia move its crude, and firms using sanctioned ships must apply to the Treasury Department.