According to CoinMeta, and as reported by foreign media, the United States is considering relaxing restrictions on certain sanctioned tankers in order to alleviate the global shortage of tanker capacity and reduce transportation costs. At least four companies, including Trafigura Group, Vitol Group, Marcellus Energy Group, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, are in discussions with the U.S. government to apply for the purchase or leasing of some tankers that have been listed on the sanctions list due to their involvement in illegal oil transportation. The discussions involve approximately 50 of the around 1,600 sanctioned vessels, including super-large tankers capable of carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil each. The U.S. Treasury Department is reviewing these applications and may adopt a case-by-case authorization approach rather than a blanket exemption, and no final decision has yet been made. Reactivating idle tankers is expected to increase actual transport capacity, but some of the older tankers pose maintenance and safety hazards. As of November 4th, the United States had sanctioned a total of 1,568 vessels, including 462 crude oil tankers.