According to CoinMeta, and as reported by foreign media, the United States is considering relaxing restrictions on some sanctioned tankers in order to alleviate the global shortage of tanker capacity and reduce transportation costs. Four companies, including Trafigura Group, Vitol Group, Marcellus Energy Group, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, are in negotiations with the U.S. government to apply for the purchase or leasing of about 50 tankers that have been listed on the sanctions list for participating in illegal oil transportation. These tankers have a capacity to carry 2 million barrels of crude oil each. The U.S. Treasury Department is reviewing the applications and may adopt a case-by-case authorization approach, but no final decision has yet been made. It is still uncertain whether these measures will be effective in lowering oil prices, and 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.