Trump allows foreign ships between domestic ports to stabilize petrol costs amid Iran war

2026.03.18 16:50 Containers are stacked at the Port of Los Angeles on February 20. Photo: AP US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary 60-day suspension of the Jones Act, the century-old law that mandates cargo moving between domestic ports be transported on vessels built, operated and staffed by American citizens or permanent residents. The move comes in response to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – a key chokepoint – amid the escalating US-Israeli war against Iran, which has triggered the most severe global oil supply disruption in recent history. The waiver allows foreign-flagged tankers sitting idle in international waters to start transporting energy products between US ports immediately. “President Trump’s decision to issue a ‌60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the US military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. She added that the action “will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertiliser and coal to flow freely to US ports for 60 days, and the administration remains committed ‌to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains.” The US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28. The conflict has led to attacks on oil infrastructure and the de facto closure of the vital shipping route, further straining global energy flows. This has driven crude prices well above $100 per barrel at times, sharply elevating US petrol and energy costs while straining domestic distribution networks. Trump is facing mounting pressure to rein in fuel costs, a key driver of how Americans judge inflation and the health of the economy. The rise in oil prices could hurt Trump and the Republican Party ahead of November’s midterm elections. The Jones Act, passed in 1920 after World War I, aimed to strengthen the US maritime industry, protect American shipping jobs and ensure a reliable fleet for nati

原文链接: 南华早报