US Passes 100% Tariff Bill on Russian Oil Buyers — SkimNews
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- US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262 to 159, sending it to the president for enactment
- United States authorized tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, directly affecting India and China as leading buyers
- India may seek an exemption if importing under 15% of Russia's gas exports and actively reducing purchases, though it currently imports nearly 85% of its oil requirement
- China is among the major importers at risk of facing the 100% tariff under the new sanctions framework, increasing pressure on its energy trade with Russia
- Russia faces expanded US sanctions that also permit up to a 500% tariff on its goods entering the United States, intensifying economic isolation
Why it matters: India and China now face material leverage from the US over their Russian energy imports, with potential cost increases of billions of dollars if exemptions aren't granted. The 100% tariff threat disrupts ongoing India-US trade talks and forces energy diversification decisions amid global supply strains.
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