Temporary Rule Break Helps U. S. Shipments Flow

The United States has lifted a long‑standing shipping law for 60 days. The rule, known as the Jones Act, usually keeps all U. S. domestic cargo on American‑built and -crew vessels. President Trump said the change will let foreign ships move oil, gas, fertilizer and coal between U. S. ports. The Jones Act was created after World War I to protect the U. S. merchant fleet from enemy attacks. It requires ships trading between U. S. ports to be built in the country, owned by Americans and crewed mainly by U. S. citizens. The law was designed to keep a ready supply of ships for national defense. Critics claim the restriction drives up shipping costs. Fuel prices have spiked since tensions rose over Iran. Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Middle Eastern oil, has slowed. Global crude has jumped from about $70 to nearly $110 a barrel. U. S. gasoline is now over $3. 80 per gallon, more than 25 percent higher than before the conflict.By allowing foreign vessels to operate domestically, the administration hopes to cut transport costs and ease shortages. The waiver also covers fertilizers that farmers need for spring planting. Some maritime groups worry the move could hurt American workers and businesses. Analysts say the rule change will only modestly lower fuel prices. One expert estimates a 3 to 10 cent per gallon reduction at best. The waiver is part of a larger plan that includes easing sanctions on Venezuela and allowing Russian oil back into markets. The International Energy Agency plans to release a record amount of oil from emergency reserves, with the U. S. contributing over 170 million barrels.