Trump Seeks to Maintain Maritime Law Suspension Amid Oil Transport Concerns

U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended the controversial Jones Act during the Iran conflict, facilitating easier oil transportation within the United States. According to Odaily, the 1920 Jones Act increases shipping costs between U.S. ports by requiring goods to be transported on vessels flying the American flag. In response to rising fuel prices due to the Iran conflict, Trump issued a 60-day waiver of the law on March 18 to streamline oil transport. White House data indicates that since the waiver, 40 tankers have been able to transport oil between U.S. ports from California to Texas, Florida, and Alaska, increasing the effective fleet size by 70% and helping to reduce costs.