The latest Department of Transportation (DOT) updates on emergency fuel waivers?
- David Rennie
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
As of March 10, 2026, the Department of Transportation (DOT), through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has extended several emergency fuel waivers to address supply chain disruptions. While current geopolitical tensions with Iran are cited by officials as a growing concern for future stability, the most recent specific regulatory updates focus on domestic heating fuel and regional
Current FMCSA Emergency Declarations
Heating Fuel Extension (No. 2025-012): On February 27, 2026, the FMCSA issued a fourth extension for a Regional Emergency Declaration covering the interstate transportation of heating oil, propane, and natural gas.
Status: Remains in effect until 11:59 P.M. (ET) on March 14, 2026.
Affected States: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
Relief Provided: Drivers are granted emergency relief from 49 CFR § 395.3 (maximum driving time) for property-carrying vehicles providing direct assistance to the emergency supply issues.
Recent EPA & Treasury Actions
Requested E15 Ethanol Waiver: On March 6, 2026, a group of Midwestern governors (IA, NE, MO, SD) formally requested an EPA emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15 gasoline to combat "extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances" caused by the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Treasury "Pressure Valve" Waiver: On March 5, 2026, the U.S. Treasury issued a 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude currently stranded at sea due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, aiming to prevent a global energy price explosion.
Future Regulatory Shifts
Automatic Relief Window: As of March 9, 2026, the FMCSA is accepting public comments on a proposal to return the automatic regulatory relief window from 14 days back to 30 days for state-issued emergency declarations
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