The United States said Friday it will allow additional oil tankers from the Gulf of Mexico to enter northeastern ports to provide more fuel to the region battered by Hurricane Sandy.
The Department of Homeland Security issued an immediate blanket waiver of restrictions on foreign-flagged ship access to US ports to help increase fuel deliveries to northeast terminals.
“The administration’s highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of those impacted by Hurricane Sandy, and this waiver will remove a potential obstacle to bringing additional fuel to the storm-damaged region,” said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in a statement.
Napolitano waived the Jones Act, which prohibits foreign vessels from transporting merchandise between points within the United States.
The waiver is in effect through November 13.
Tensions were rising in New York and New Jersey over the lack of fuel, with lengthy lines at filling stations and some areas rationing gasoline for vehicles.
As of Friday morning, two New Jersey refineries and 14 port terminals from Virginia to Connecticut remained shut after Hurricane Sandy barreled through the region on Monday and Tuesday.
The Department of Homeland Security Department said the government was prepared to take additional actions as necessary to ensure that the storm-damaged area’s energy needs were met.
US to allow extra oil tankers to ease storm woes
