The Trump administration is preparing to issue a temporary suspension of the Jones Act, a move aimed at addressing rising fuel prices amid escalating tensions with Iran. The proposed 30-day waivers would allow foreign tankers to supply refiners on the U.S. East Coast with fuel from the Gulf Coast.

Immediate Circumstances

U.S. gasoline prices have surged to $3.60 per gallon, the highest level since May 2024, while diesel prices have reached $4.89 per gallon, the highest since late 2022. The waiver could potentially slow gasoline price increases by roughly five to ten cents per gallon. This comes as Washington seeks to blunt the impact of the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The Jones Act, formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, mandates that goods shipped between two U.S. ports must be transported on vessels that are American-built, American-owned, American-flagged, and crewed primarily by American workers. Historically, the act has only been suspended during major national emergencies, such as hurricanes or severe supply disruptions. The last waiver was issued in October 2022 for a tanker supplying Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona.

In 2021, the Biden administration temporarily eased the law for refiner Valero Energy following a cyberattack. The current proposal marks a significant consideration, as the number of qualifying ocean-going vessels under the Jones Act has decreased from 193 to just 92, sharply limiting the number of tankers available for domestic shipments.

Official Statements

White House spokesperson Katherine Leavit stated, “The administration is considering waiving the Jones Act for a period, though she noted the action had not been finalized.” The policy has strong backing as a national security measure designed to support the domestic shipbuilding industry and maintain a U.S. merchant fleet. However, any suspension of the Jones Act is politically sensitive due to its support from maritime unions.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timing and implementation of the proposed suspension, as discussions continue within the administration. The implications of such a decision could have far-reaching effects on both fuel prices and the maritime industry.

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