Changing its stance, the US administration has issued a fresh 30-day general licence allowing India and other countries to continue purchasing Russian crude oil, offering temporary relief to global energy markets rattled by geopolitical tensions.An order issued by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control authorises the delivery and sale of crude oil and petroleum products of Russian origin loaded on vessels on or before April 17.”Except as provided… all transactions prohibited… related to the loading of crude oil or petroleum products of Russian Federation origin… are authorised through 12.01 am (eastern daylight time), May 16,” the document states.The licence effectively permits transactions involving Russian oil already in transit or loaded before the cut-off date, including associated services such as shipping, insurance, docking and emergency repairs. It also covers logistical and administrative operations linked to such cargo, ensuring that shipments are not stranded mid-route due to enforcement of sanctions.The move marks a reversal from Washington’s earlier tightening of restrictions and comes amid growing concerns over supply disruptions following instability in key energy corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz.Officials indicated that the decision was aimed at preventing further strain on global oil flows rather than easing pressure on Moscow. The authorisation remains time-bound and narrowly defined, restricting benefits to pre-loaded cargo rather than enabling fresh large-scale purchases.The development is particularly significant for India, which has emerged as a major buyer of discounted Russian crude since the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict. With nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil needs dependent on imports, any disruption in supply chains has immediate implications for domestic energy security.The 30-day window provides crucial operational flexibility to manage existing shipments and recalibrate sourcing strategies, even as geopolitical risks continue to cast uncertainty over global energy markets.