US House Advances Bill Allowing 100% Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchases

The US House of Representatives has voted to advance legislation that would give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on India and other nations that purchase oil and gas from Russia.

The bill, which moved forward in the House, also seeks to extend existing sanctions on Iran. It would grant the president sweeping powers to penalise countries whose energy imports support Russia, a measure that could significantly affect India's crude oil sourcing.

India has been a major buyer of discounted Russian crude since the war in Ukraine began, drawing scrutiny from Western capitals. The advance of the bill in the House marks a step in the US legislative process, though it must still clear further hurdles before becoming law.

The proposed tariff authority, if enacted, would add a new layer of economic pressure on countries maintaining energy ties with Moscow. For India, which relies heavily on imported crude, the prospect of steep US tariffs could complicate its trade and energy calculations.

The bill's progress signals continued congressional interest in tightening sanctions on Russia and Iran, even as the Trump administration shapes its own foreign policy approach.