The United States has issued a temporary authorization allowing countries to purchase Russian oil that is currently aboard ships at sea, according to official announcements. The measure provides a 30-day window for these transactions to take place.

The decision appears aimed at addressing energy market stability concerns while managing existing oil supplies that were already in transit when restrictions were implemented. The authorization specifically covers Russian oil cargo that is currently stranded aboard vessels at sea.

The temporary nature of the policy suggests it is designed as a transitional measure to handle oil shipments that were caught in transit during the implementation of broader sanctions and restrictions on Russian energy exports. The 30-day timeframe provides a limited window for resolving these stranded cargoes.

The move comes amid ongoing international efforts to balance energy market stability with sanctions pressure on Russia. Energy markets have faced significant volatility due to disruptions in global oil supply chains and changing trade patterns following the implementation of various restrictions on Russian energy exports.

The authorization represents a specific carve-out for oil already at sea, distinguishing it from broader policies governing new Russian oil purchases and transactions.