Jones Act Waiver Sends U.S. Gulf Oil Shipments to Records
Waterborne shipments of crude oil and petroleum products from the U.S. Gulf Coast rose sharply in April and May 2026 after the federal government temporarily relaxed some Jones Act restrictions, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
What Readers Should Know
- Gulf Coast shipments to the West Coast increased more than fourfold from a year earlier in April and May.
- April shipments to the West Coast reached about 190,000 barrels per day.
- The Department of Homeland Security issued a limited Jones Act waiver on March 17.
- Gulf-to-East Coast shipments reached a record 1.2 million barrels per day in April.
- Overall waterborne shipments fell 12% in May.
West Coast Shipments More Than Quadrupled
Gulf Coast shipments to the West Coast increased more than fourfold from a year earlier during the two months.
April volumes reached about 190,000 barrels per day (b/d), more than twice the previous record. The shipments were significantly higher than levels recorded in January and February.
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What the Jones Act Waiver Changed
The rise in shipments resulted from a limited waiver to the Jones Act issued by the Department of Homeland Security on March 17.
The waiver allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport specific energy and fertilizer products between U.S. ports.
The law generally requires cargo moved between U.S. ports to use qualifying American-built, U.S.-flagged and U.S.-owned vessels with U.S. crews.
East Coast Shipments Reached a Record
Gulf-to-East Coast shipments reached a record 1.2 million b/d in April, 11% above the previous high.
Gasoline blending components hit 620,000 b/d, while distillate shipments reached 220,000 b/d.
May Shipments Declined Overall
Overall waterborne shipments fell 12% in May.
Despite the overall decline, Gulf Coast crude shipments to the East Coast climbed to a record 180,000 b/d.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did U.S. Gulf Coast shipments rise in April and May 2026?
Shipments rose after the federal government temporarily relaxed some Jones Act restrictions.
How much did Gulf Coast shipments to the West Coast increase?
They increased more than fourfold from a year earlier during April and May.
What was the April shipment volume to the West Coast?
April volumes reached about 190,000 barrels per day.
What did the March 17 Jones Act waiver allow?
It allowed foreign-flagged vessels to transport specific energy and fertilizer products between U.S. ports.
What happened to overall waterborne shipments in May?
Overall waterborne shipments fell 12% in May, while Gulf Coast crude shipments to the East Coast reached a record 180,000 barrels per day.
Courtesy: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)