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UAE News: Hotels refuse to raise prices for stranded tourists as flights canceled across UAE amid Iran-US-Israel war

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UAE News: Hotels refuse to raise prices for stranded tourists as flights canceled across UAE amid Iran-US-Israel war
Emirates hotels promise price stability even as Middle East travel is thrown into chaos by Iran, US-Israel war

As Iran’s war with the US and Israel continues to disrupt global air travel middle EastHotels across the UAE are moving quickly to reassure guests that prices will remain stable and to support travelers affected by flight cancellations and delays. Hotel groups say their focus remains on guest safety, booking flexibility and maintaining trust during one of the region’s most challenging aviation disruptions in years.The reassurance comes as airlines cancel flights and governments impose temporary airspace restrictions in parts of the Gulf. The disruptions have left thousands of passengers stranded or forced to change travel plans, prompting hotels to adapt operations to support tourists and transit travelers in the crisis.

United Arab Emirates Hotels prioritize safety and guest support amid Iran-U.S.-Israel war

Hotel operators across the UAE say the safety and well-being of their guests remains their top priority as the situation in the region evolves. Industry leaders stressed that hotel brands are closely monitoring developments while ensuring hotel operations run smoothly. Executives at major hotel groups say the hotel industry is fundamentally about taking care of its employees, especially during unexpected disruptions. Many hotels have introduced flexible booking policies, extended stays and support services for travelers whose flights are canceled or delayed. The hotel is also working closely with authorities and airlines to accommodate stranded passengers, especially those who cannot leave the country immediately due to airspace closures or flight rescheduling.

UAE house prices locked in despite travel chaos caused by Iran-US-Israel war

A key message from the UAE hospitality industry is clear: hotels are not taking advantage of the disruption to increase prices. Instead, many hotels are choosing to keep room rates steady, reassuring guests that the industry remains committed to transparency and fairness.

Travelers stranded in UAE get support as hotels maintain room rates amid war between Iran and US-Israel

Travelers stranded in UAE get support as hotels maintain room rates amid war between Iran and US-Israel

Hoteliers say maintaining trust with travelers is crucial during uncertain times. The approach contrasts with what sometimes happens during global travel disruptions, when surges in demand can cause hotel prices to spike. However, in the UAE, many hotels are intentionally locking in room rates and avoiding sudden price increases to maintain tourist confidence.

UAE government supports stranded travelers amid war between Iran and US-Israel

The UAE government has also taken steps to ensure travelers affected by the crisis are taken care of. The authorities announced that hotel accommodation, meals and assistance will be provided to travelers stranded due to flight cancellations or delays, ensuring travelers do not lose accommodation or support.This coordinated response involves airlines, airports and hotel partners working together to manage passenger flows and ensure people have a safe place to stay while they wait for flights to resume. These measures have helped the UAE maintain its reputation as a reliable tourism hub even during periods of regional instability.

UAE tourism faces sudden impact in war between Iran and US-Israel

Despite a supportive response from the hotel industry, the ongoing conflict has inevitably impacted tourism across the region. Airspace closures and safety concerns have led to a surge in travel cancellations and a slowdown in new hotel bookings, particularly from European and Asian markets.Industry analysts say the entire Middle East tourism industry could be losing hundreds of millions of dollars a day due to reduced travel demand and disrupted flights. In Dubai alone, thousands of holiday bookings were reportedly canceled following the conflict, underscoring the tourism industry’s vulnerability to geopolitical shocks.

Emirati hotels promote staycations to fill room vacancies during Iran-U.S.-Israel war

In response to the decline in international tourist numbers, many hotels have begun offering discounted accommodation packages to local residents. Luxury hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are offering special promotions, dining deals and spa packages aimed at encouraging residents to spend the weekend at hotels in the city. Some hotel industry analysts said the offers could help maintain occupancy rates while uncertainty around international travel remains. Such activities have become a common strategy for the UAE during times of global turmoil, including during the pandemic.

UAE’s reputation as a safe haven

Despite regional tensions, authorities and industry leaders stressed that the UAE remains a safe and stable destination for residents and tourists. The country has taken several measures to stabilize travel and maintain connectivity, including establishing controlled “safe air corridors” to gradually resume flights.The measures are designed to balance safety concerns with the need to keep international travel running at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The current situation is not the first time the UAE tourism industry has faced a major shock. The industry has previously shown resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic and has since rebounded to record visitor numbers. Dubai will welcome nearly 20 million international visitors in 2025, reflecting the city’s strong global appeal and rapidly expanding hotel infrastructure. Industry experts believe the industry will eventually recover again once regional tensions ease and air travel stabilizes.For now, the message from Emirates hotels is reassuring. Hoteliers say they can expect stable rates, flexible policies and a strong support system if travel disruption affects guests’ plans. In a region where geopolitical tensions can quickly reshape travel patterns, the UAE’s hospitality industry believes trust, reliability and guest care will help it weather another storm in the global travel industry.

Fact check: Is Kash Patel defending fifth after Ted Lieu plays Epstein tapes in Congress? ‘Bury it…’

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A statement has gone viral on social media claiming that U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu of California played a recording Kashi Patel During a U.S. House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Kash Patel and Ted Liu. (File photo)
Kash Patel and Ted Liu. (File photo)

The posts go on to note that in the video, Patel allegedly said Trump told him to “bury him.” Epstein document. It then claimed that Patel invoked her Fifth Amendment rights to deny answering the questions Liu posed in the video.

However, Ht.com can confirm that the video is fake. First, the post suggested that Patel had a House Judiciary Committee hearing in March 2026, which was not the case. Patel last testified before the committee at an oversight hearing on September 17, 2025. FBI.

Additionally, there are no credible reports of Ted Liu having the clip aired on reputable news outlets. Snopes reports that the claim originated as a prank on the Facebook page “Morning Current.” While clearly not a parody page, Snopes reports that the page frequently posts misleading clickbait content with affiliate links.

The claim then made its way to YouTube, where a page called Silent Docket posted a video that received hundreds of thousands of views. Here is the video:

Ted Lieu feuds with Trump over Epstein dossier

Ted Lieu is perhaps one of the most outspoken critics of Donald Trump’s involvement in the Epstein dossier. California’s House Representative for District 36 has repeatedly attacked Trump after anonymous complainant Katie Johnson filed a complaint with the FBI claiming that Trump and Epstein raped her in 1994 when she was 13 years old.

Also read: Was ‘Katie Johnson’ arrested in connection with FBI complaint over Trump-Epstein feud? it’s a fact

On February 19, he held a press conference in California regarding the unredacted Epstein documents previewed by the House Judiciary Committee. He claimed Trump was mentioned “thousands of times” in them, and they also claimed the US president “raped and threatened to kill” minors.

Notably, both lawsuits filed by Katie Johnson (one of whom was a Jane Doe complaint) against Trump over the 1994 incident have been withdrawn. Trump has denied involvement or any wrongdoing.

Need to strike balance between privacy and public interest: SC

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“No full access to personal information”

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday said blanket access to private information of a public official cannot be sought on grounds of public interest.A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said, “The right to access information in public interest must be balanced with the right to privacy of an individual. There cannot be a provision that allows blanket access to an individual’s private information.” Meanwhile, a bench of Chief Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said Pancholi agreed to accept a petition challenging the restrictions imposed to protect privacy in the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP).Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for the petitioners, said the provisions of the Right to Information Act that allow access to private data on the background of persons appointed to public or constitutional offices are invalid under the DPDP Act.She said the state could obtain any data on anyone under the guise of public order, which could lead to state surveillance of citizens. Ultimately, the judge said, courts must define what data can be classified as public and private.Jaising said people whose data was illegally accessed are liable to get compensation under the Information and Technology Act. But she complained that under the DPDP Act, compensation would go to the government and not the person whose data was illegally accessed.The Data Protection Commission of India is the main regulator of data privacy and although it determines competition rights, there is no judicial oversight, she said. The judges agreed that in such a case there should be a judicially trained person on the board. “These matters require urgent adjudication,” the judge said, agreeing that they should be included in the list as soon as possible.The SC on February 16 entertained three petitions claiming that the amendments to the RTI Act required by the DPDP Act have reduced the right to information to something that exists only on paper as it provides an excuse for authorities to deny information by classifying it as “individual”. However, it refused to stay the operation of the bill, whose provisions had been justified by citing the Supreme Court judgment in Puttaswamy case, where the right to privacy was considered as one of the fundamental rights.

‘Are you afraid of deportation’: Two Indian-origin men clash on social media over H-1B issue. One of them is the chairman of the Texas Republican Party

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'Are you afraid of deportation': Two Indian-origin men clash on social media over H-1B issue. One of them is the chairman of the Texas Republican Party

Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George clashed with Indian American Advocacy Council founder Siddharth on social media over the H-1B issue, asking the latter if he was worried he would be deported. The online spat comes as Indian-American groups are concerned about growing hatred against Indians in the United States. The controversy began when Abraham George called for an end to H-1B and said the visa program was riddled with fraud. “H-1B visas are rife with fraud and displacing American workers. This has to stop. We must make this a legislative priority for the Texas Republican Party to eliminate H-1B visas in our state and put Texans first. #AmericaFirst,” George posted. Abraham George was born in India and came to America when he was 16 years old. Thousands of Indians come to the United States on the H-1B visa, although people from other countries also come to the United States through this visa program. The current hatred against India and attacks on the H-1B visa program are going hand in hand in MAGA circles. Texas has taken several steps to combat H-1B visa abuse. The administration has frozen H-1B hiring at state agencies and state universities. Investigations into three H-1B companies are also ongoing. The government was alerted by Texas journalist and whistleblower Sara Gonzales, who conducted her own investigation into alleged H-1B abuses. She visited her employer and found there was no office. Although many IT staffing companies hire H-1Bs for large tech companies, and these staffing companies may not have their own offices, everything related to H-1Bs is now under heavy scrutiny in Texas. Reacting to Abraham George’s anti-H-1B message, Indian-American community leader Siddharth said George was silent on the xenophobic hate crisis against Indian-Americans in the state. While tallying the achievements of Indian Americans in Texas, Sidharth said that instead of standing up against the hatred directed at communities that invest billions in the Texas economy, Sidharth said that instead of pandering to the same people who threaten them. “Are you afraid of being deported?” Abraham George replied. “Are you kidding? Is this your response to making a responsible statement against rampant racism against Indians?” Siddharth retorted. A major controversy arose after an old video of Indian-origin engineer Madhu Raju dancing at the World War II Memorial went viral. Social media users accused him of violating H-1B regulations and called for his deportation.

Senegal becomes latest African country to severely punish homosexuality

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Dakar, Senegal— Senegal Parliament approved a new bill to toughen penalties for homosexuality in the predominantly Muslim West African country, latest african countries Harsh penalties for LGBTQ people.

Senegal becomes latest African country to severely punish homosexuality
Senegal becomes latest African country to severely punish homosexuality

The new bill is submitted to parliament last month Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has described homosexual behavior as “unnatural”. It doubles the sentences for those convicted from one to five years in prison to five to 10 years in prison.

At Wednesday’s plenary session, almost all MPs voted in favor of the bill, with none objecting and three abstaining. The bill requires presidential assent before becoming law, and Senegalese President Basilou Diomaye Faye is widely expected to sign it.

In another change, the proposed law seeks to crack down on organizations that support sexual minorities by penalizing so-called “promoting” or “financing” homosexual behavior.

The fine for the offense was also increased to a maximum of CFA 10 million, but the bill retains the offense as a misdemeanor rather than a crime. During the parliamentary session, ministers argued that the 1966 law was too lax.

The proposed law classifies homosexuality as an “unnatural act” crime along with necrophilia and bestiality. But it would also punish anyone who accuses someone of homosexual behavior “without evidence.”

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged Senegal’s president not to approve the law.

“It goes against the sacred human rights that we all enjoy: respect, dignity, privacy, equality and freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” Turck said in a statement.

Laws against homosexuality are common in Africa: more than 30 out of 54 countries criminalize same-sex sexual behavior. Senegal has joined countries such as Kenya, Sierra Leone and Tanzania where penalties can include 10 years or more in prison. This crime is punishable by death in Somalia, Uganda and Mauritania.

In recent weeks, groups promoting Islamic values ​​have organized rallies in support of the new legal measures, and police have cracked down on suspected homosexuals and arrested at least a dozen people.

The proposed law fulfills a campaign promise by the prime minister, who tried and failed to introduce the bill while in opposition.

Follow Africa reports: /hub/africa

This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.

‘Let there be as much anger as possible’: Zoran Mamdani reacts to criticism after hosting first iftar party at New York City Hall

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'Let there be as much anger as possible': Zoran Mamdani reacts to criticism after hosting first iftar party at New York City Hall

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reacts to the outpouring of hate he received after hosting his first iftar at New York City Hall. Mamdani was called an enemy within, and in response, New York City’s first Muslim mayor said politicians in Washington should show similar outrage when children go hungry. “When kids go hungry, Washington politicians get as angry as I do when I break bread with New Yorkers,” Mamdani wrote, responding to a post by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “The enemy is within the gates.”Mamdani hosted Eid, inviting community members, and was seen breaking his fast to sit on the floor, which became a meme for trolls comparing the photo to 9/11. New York Senator Chuck Schumer defended Mamdani and pointed to Islamophobia in Tuberville. “This is mindless hatred. American Muslims are police officers, doctors, nurses, teachers, bankers, bricklayers, mothers, fathers, neighbors, mayors and more. Islamophobic hatred like this is fundamentally un-American and we must confront and overcome it every time it rears its ugly head,” Schumer wrote. MAGA activist Laura Loomer also claimed that a guest at Mamdani’s iftar party gave the ISIS finger salute. “A Muslim who was invited by @ZohranKMamdani to the New York City Mayor’s Mansion for Ramadan Eid yesterday gave the ISIS one-finger salute inside Gracie Mansion. This comes after two ISIS terrorists dropped bombs on Americans in New York City this weekend,” Loomer posted.Prior to the iftar gathering, Mamdani had been criticized for hosting Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and his family for a dinner to mark the first anniversary of Khalil’s arrest. “One year ago, Mahmoud was detained by federal agents while walking home through our city after an Iftar meal with his wife, Noor, and flown to Louisiana and then held in an ICE facility for several months. During that time, he was forced to miss the birth of his first child. All in an effort to exercise your First Amendment right to protest the ongoing genocide in Palestine,” Mamdani wrote. “Mahmood is a New Yorker and he belongs in New York City.”

Israel temple shooter: Are synagogue kindergarten students safe? detail

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‘Active situation’ at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, michiganThere was a massive police response Thursday afternoon. Notably, the synagogue houses a K-12 kindergarten, which raised concerns about the safety of students involved in the shooting. The suspect is now reportedly dead.

Law enforcement responded to a call at Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. (Associated Press)
Law enforcement responded to a call at Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. (Associated Press)

However, the school was not in session and no students were present when the shooting broke out, according to the Temple Israel synagogue website.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said students were removed from the preschool as Temple Israel Synagogue was holding a reunification event at the Jewish Center. So far, no casualties have been reported shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office updated on its Facebook page: “OCSO and multiple agencies responded to the West Bloomfield Israel Temple scene for reports of a shooting. Emergency crews are clearing the building.”

Oakland County officials confirmed that a vehicle was involved in the attack. NBC 5 Chicago reported that the suspect crashed a car into the synagogue before shooting into the building.

Fox News reports that the suspect is now dead.

This story is being updated.

‘Some people are trying to create panic’: PM Modi downplays LPG crisis; targets opposition

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday played down the country’s energy crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict between joint US-Israeli forces and Iran. Speaking at the NXT Summit, the Prime Minister indirectly targeted those “trying to create panic” and claimed they were exposing themselves to the public by doing so.

‘Energy security compromised’: Rahul Gandhi sounds alarm in Parliament

“We have to work collectively to put national interest first and fulfill our responsibilities. There is a lot of talk about LPG. Some people are trying to create panic. They want to push their own agenda,” PM Modi said.“At this time, I don’t want to make political comments about them. But I can say with certainty that by doing this they are not only exposing themselves to the public, but they are doing great harm to the country,” he added.The Prime Minister said the government is prioritizing self-reliance in the energy sector to ensure that the country does not have to be completely dependent on foreign energy sources.“To ensure that we do not have to be completely dependent on foreign energy, the focus in the energy sector is on self-reliance. Till 2014, the country had only 140 million LPG connections. Today, this number has more than doubled to Rs 33 crore. In 2014, the country had only 4 LNG terminals,” PM Modi said.“Today, their number has also doubled. Today, no country is immune to the impact of this global crisis that has arrived. More or less, everyone is a victim of this crisis. India is also sparing no effort to deal with this crisis,” he added.The Prime Minister also said that the government is making every effort to ensure that the burden of the situation caused by the war does not fall on Indian citizens.“The Indian government has always made every effort to ensure that the burden of the situation created by the war does not fall on Indian citizens,” he said.“This time, too, we will make every effort to ensure that the impact of the war on the lives of the country’s farmers and citizens is minimized,” he added.Concerns about a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas are starting to spread across the country as escalating conflicts in the Middle East disrupt global energy supply chains.The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in Iran’s retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks triggered panic buying, long queues at LPG agents and gas stations, and forced restaurants and small businesses to switch to alternative cooking methods.Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the petroleum ministry, said the government decided to allow partial sale of commercial LPG to meet one-fifth of the demand as it took certain measures that helped boost domestic LPG production by 28 per cent and developed some alternative sources overseas.“The state has to identify the beneficiaries,” she said.As panic buying escalates, the government extended the LPG refill ordering window for rural customers to 45 days from the 25 days set for all customers last week, itself replacing the previous 21-day limit. She said the move was aimed at managing demand and ensuring equitable distribution amid ongoing disruptions to energy supplies caused by the crisis in West Asia.The increase in the monthly quota of kerosene issued to states is the first in more than a decade, temporarily reversing the government’s stated goal of phasing out kerosene, which besides being heavily subsidized is also used in petrol adulteration.

Old Dominion University shooting: Gunman opens fire in campus building, two seriously injured | World News

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Old Dominion University shooting: Gunman opens fire inside campus building, two seriously injured

A gunman opened fire inside a building at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday morning, seriously injuring two people and later killing the suspect, according to university officials. The shooting, which occurred in Constant Hall on the university’s main campus, prompted a shooting and a temporary lockdown of the campus as police and emergency personnel rushed to the scene. Authorities later confirmed the shooter had been subdued and issued an “all clear” notice to students and staff after the threat was over.The incident began around 10:49 a.m. when reports of a shooting inside Constant Hall prompted the university to issue an emergency alert to students, faculty and staff. The alert warns of an active threat on campus and advises people to follow “run, hide, fight” safety procedures while emergency personnel respond.Constant Hall is located on the north side of the old Dominion University campus, near West 49th Street. Police and emergency medical personnel quickly arrived at the building and secured the surrounding area while students and staff sheltered in place.Two people were injured in the shooting and remain in critical condition, officials said. Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the victims or confirmed whether they were students, staff or visitors.Law enforcement officials later confirmed that the suspected shooter had been killed, although officials have not yet clarified whether the suspect died during a confrontation with police or from other causes. Authorities have not released the identity of the shooter.During the emergency rescue process, live video showed that the police were rescuing an injured person on the ground near Constant Hall, while another injured person was carried away by rescuers. Additional footage showed a heavy law enforcement presence surrounding the building as police secured the campus.At 12:05 p.m., Old Dominion University issued an “all clear” notice to the campus community, indicating that the emergency was over and there was no longer an active threat. Officials are asking students and staff to continue to avoid the area around Constant Hall while investigators and emergency personnel work on the scene.Following the incident, the university canceled all classes and suspended main campus operations for the remainder of the day. A Family Information Center has been set up at Chartway Stadium to assist relatives in finding information about students and staff.Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill released a message to the campus community acknowledging the shooting and thanking campus police, emergency management teams and City of Norfolk first responders for their quick response.Nearby schools in the surrounding area, including several primary schools, were taken into temporary security custody as Norfolk Police responded to the incident.The Norfolk Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from federal authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media that the FBI was aware of the situation and was supporting local law enforcement.So far, authorities have not released details about the shooter’s motive, background or whether the victims were specifically targeted. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and review information related to the incident. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.

What is the Jones Act? Why Trump might temporarily abandon a 100-year-old oil transportation law

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this trump card The government is planning to temporarily relax century-old maritime rules while it looks for ways to combat the rising problem. Oil and the price of gasoline during the war. Iran. Officials are considering short-term exemptions that would allow foreign ships to help transport fuel between U.S. ports, according to people familiar with the matter.

Trump may temporarily waive the Jones Act to allow foreign ships to transport fuel between U.S. ports. (Reuters)
Trump may temporarily waive the Jones Act to allow foreign ships to transport fuel between U.S. ports. (Reuters)

A 30-day exemption from the Jones Act would allow foreign tankers to help supply East Coast refineries with fuel from the Gulf Coast and other parts of the United States. Those who spoke about the plan were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act is an important part of U.S. maritime law that has been in place since 1920. It requires that cargo transported between U.S. ports must be carried on ships built, owned and operated by Americans.

The law is actually Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, which was designed to maintain and support the U.S. Merchant Marine. It was introduced after World War I to strengthen the American shipping industry.

Also read: Oil prices top $100 a barrel amid Middle East conflict, Trump to re-examine options: report

Why are laws made?

U.S. Senator Wesley Jones of Washington proposed a law that would give his state a shipping monopoly over Alaska. Congress passed this legislation to support the U.S. shipping industry after World War I.

The law is considered protectionist, meaning it protects domestic businesses. It focuses on maritime trade and cabotage, the transport of goods within the same country.

Under the regulations, cargo transported between U.S. ports must be transported on ships built in the United States and owned and operated by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

While the law protects the domestic shipping industry, it also increases shipping costs. This particularly affects non-continental U.S. territories that rely heavily on imported goods, such as Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico.

Because only U.S.-built and operated ships can transport cargo between U.S. ports, that means fewer ships are available, which will make shipping more expensive.

Why the government might issue exemptions

The possible waivers come as President Donald Trump considers options to address rising energy prices amid the war with Iran.

On Wednesday, the U.S. government announced it would release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of an internationally coordinated effort to release 400 million barrels of oil into global markets.

Allowing foreign tankers to temporarily transport fuel between U.S. ports could help increase supplies to East Coast refineries and ease price pressures.