US bill could levy up to 100% tariff on Indian purchases of Russian oil
A congressional proposal would let the president impose a 100% duty on India and other buyers of Russian crude, raising doubts for Indian refiners.
A new congressional bill would give the president power to impose tariffs up to 100% on nations buying Russian crude, including India and China. US ambassador to India Sergio Gor said at the World Leaders Forum that the initiative is being pushed by Congress in a bipartisan manner and is not a White House priority. Indian refiners have been scrambling for alternative supplies, but Russia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE still provided two-thirds of India’s imports from March to August, and recent disruptions to Saudi pipelines and Gulf shipments have worsened the shortage.
After a temporary duty was introduced, India chose to absorb the cost, briefly raising Russian imports to 1.8 million barrels per day before they fell to about 1 million following talks to remove the tariff. Industry leaders caution that reinstating the full 100% duty could strain already fragile global inventories, lift oil prices, and add to inflationary pressures ahead of US midterm elections. The move underscores how geopolitical trade tools are being used to influence energy security.
Why it matters
A 100% tariff on Russian oil could force India to seek costlier alternatives, raising global fuel prices and affecting inflation.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTCentrist coverage reports the bill’s details and India’s pragmatic steps to protect its energy security, while right-leaning coverage stresses the diplomatic risk and potential strain on bilateral ties.
CENTER
Centrist coverage presents the bill’s provisions and India’s pragmatic response to safeguard energy security, noting bipartisan congressional push and market context.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage highlights the diplomatic risk, stressing that the tariffs could jeopardize bilateral relations and trade talks.
The right emphasises
- tariffs could strain India-U.S. bilateral ties
- potential repercussions for trade talks
- India’s resolve to secure affordable energy through diversification
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