In a surprising policy shift, the United States has extended a sanctions waiver allowing countries, including India, to purchase Russian crude oil until May 16. This decision comes just two days after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that no extension would be granted. The waiver permits transactions for Russian oil loaded onto vessels before April 17, providing critical support amid severe supply disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in West Asia. The International Energy Agency reports that over 80 oil and gas facilities have been affected, leading to significant supply constraints. For India, which imports over 88% of its crude oil, this waiver allows refiners to continue sourcing Russian oil without facing potential secondary sanctions. Following the waiver's introduction in March, India reportedly ordered around 30 million barrels of Russian crude, with imports rising to 2 million barrels per day in March, accounting for 44.4% of its total oil imports that month. However, the extension has drawn criticism from US lawmakers who argue it undermines efforts to restrict Russia's energy revenue amid the Ukraine war. The waiver's future remains uncertain, as it is currently set to expire on May 16, reflecting the short-term nature of US energy policy in response to geopolitical pressures.