The United States has temporarily lifted restrictions on Iranian oil cargoes already at sea, as part of efforts to ease pressure on global energy supplies disrupted by the ongoing conflict with Tehran.

According to US officials, the exemption allows partner countries to purchase these shipments, noting that much of the oil would likely have ended up in markets like China regardless of sanctions. The move is intended to help stabilize rising oil prices caused by supply disruptions.
India is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries, with refiners planning to restart imports of Iranian crude.

However, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to create uncertainty for energy shipments in the region.
Disruptions along the key maritime route have already impacted fuel availability in parts of South Asia, with reports of cooking gas shortages forcing some businesses to switch to alternatives like firewood, increasing their costs.