Congressional Democrats have urged the Trump administration to withdraw a temporary sanctions waiver that allows Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, arguing that the decision weakens sanctions against Moscow amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
In a letter sent on Monday to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Representative Sam Liccardo and Senator Ruben Gallego criticised the administration’s decision to grant a 30-day waiver permitting India to buy Russian oil cargoes already stranded at sea.
The waiver was issued last week by the US Treasury Department to help ease pressure on global energy markets after oil prices surged following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The lawmakers argued that allowing the transaction could financially benefit Russia even as Moscow faces sanctions related to its invasion of Ukraine.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, carrying roughly 20 per cent of global oil and gas shipments. The escalation of hostilities in the region has disrupted shipping movements and raised concerns about potential supply shocks in global energy markets.
Oil prices have risen sharply since the conflict began. US crude briefly crossed $108 per barrel while Brent crude approached $110 per barrel, reflecting heightened geopolitical risk and fears of supply disruptions.
Defending the waiver, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the move as a pragmatic step aimed at preventing a sharp spike in energy prices.
