US senators propose 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers, targeting India and China

US senators are pushing for significant tariffs on nations that continue to purchase Russian oil, proposing a bill that could impose up to 100% levies on exports from countries like China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. This legislation, a revised version of the Sanctioning Russia Act, aims to discourage these purchases, which senators argue fuel Russia's war efforts.

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Those five major purchasers right now of oil are China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan.

Senator Richard Blumenthal highlighted that the final tariff rate will be determined by the United States Trade Representative, emphasizing the goal is to "discourage China, India and other major purchasers of Russian oil and gas." The bill includes an exception for countries importing less than 15% of Russia's total gas exports. This initiative follows previous US actions, including a 25% tariff on India in August 2025 for purchasing Russian oil, which had previously strained bilateral trade relations.

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The decision about the exact rate will be determined by the United States Trade Representative. We’ve had extensive discussions with him. I think it will be set at an appropriate level to discourage China, India and other major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. Remember that there are reporting and certification requirements from the US Trade Representative to the Congress if the rate is lowered.

India's reliance on Russian oil has grown, particularly after the US-Iran war disrupted global energy markets and led to a waiver on Russian oil purchases. In June 2026, Indian imports of Russian crude oil reached record levels, valued at €4.5 billion and accounting for approximately 36% of Russia's crude oil export revenues. As the second-largest buyer of Russian crude after China, India faces potential further complications in its relationship with the US if this new bill is enacted.

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fueling Putin's war