Friday, 18 September 2026 · Full edition

US House advances bill threatening up to 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers

The crude oil tanker White Trader sailing through the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey.
The crude oil tanker White Trader sailing through the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. · Ank Kumar / Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

What happened

The US House of Representatives voted to advance a sanctions bill threatening tariffs of up to 100% on buyers of Russian crude oil. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the government is monitoring the legislation and plans to work with domestic industry groups to manage practical trade impacts.

Why it matters

The proposal threatens India's dual strategy of buying discounted Russian crude while maintaining access to the US market. According to the Global Trade Research Initiative, the precise commercial impact on Indian exports depends on final US decisions regarding tariff rates, product scope, and implementation timelines.

Bigger picture

The measure highlights the expanding use of secondary sanctions and trade tariffs in Western foreign policy. It intensifies friction between nations seeking affordable energy imports and Western lawmakers using market access to penalize commercial ties with Russia.

Watch next

Watch for official US disclosures detailing final tariff rates, targeted product lines, and implementation schedules, along with policy responses from Indian trade authorities.

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