US Cuts Russia Oil Tariff Threat on India to 100%
A bipartisan group of United States senators has introduced a revised Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from India and other major buyers of Russian energy. The proposal aims to reduce Moscow’s oil and gas revenues amid the continuing war in Ukraine.
US Bill Targets Russian Oil Buyers
The revised legislation would apply potential tariffs to the five largest purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas. China and India are among the countries expected to face the greatest exposure under the proposal.
The five leading buyers of Russian crude identified by lawmakers are China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. However, the tariff rate would not automatically be fixed at 100%, with the United States Trade Representative expected to determine the exact levy.
The measure has not yet become law and must secure approval in Congress before any tariffs can be implemented.
Tariff Proposal Reduced From 500%
The latest bill is a softened version of legislation introduced in April 2025, which proposed blanket tariffs of up to 500% on countries continuing to purchase Russian energy.
The revised proposal limits the maximum tariff to 100% and gives the US president authority to waive sanctions when considered necessary in the national interest. Any waiver would be subject to reporting and certification requirements before Congress.
Countries importing less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports may also receive exemptions if they demonstrate meaningful efforts to reduce purchases.
Russia Sanctions Bill Gains Support
The legislation has bipartisan backing from 26 senators and has also received support from the Trump administration. Lawmakers hope to advance the measure before the Senate’s August recess.
Apart from tariffs, the bill proposes sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, major energy projects and the shadow fleet of tankers used to transport Russian oil.
