Trump Waives Russia Sanctions and Tariffs in Diesel Price Push, Offering Relief to India Ahead of Midterms
US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions, restrictions and duties targeting Russia, in a move aimed at bringing down soaring diesel prices at home ahead of the November 3 midterm elections — a decision that could also give India room to navigate its Russian energy purchases.
What the executive order does
In an executive order issued on Saturday, Trump invoked a waiver provision of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which allows the president to suspend the measures in the national interest. Trump said he had submitted the required certification and an explanatory report to Congress. The waivers cover duties under Sections 112 and 113 of the Act, sanctions and restrictions under Section 102(d), and other provisions against foreign persons and individuals. They will remain in effect until Trump or the secretary of state, in consultation with other officials, determines that further action is necessary. The move came only weeks after Trump signed legislation designed to tighten pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine — making the reversal notable.
The diesel deal with Putin
The decision followed what Trump described as a “highly successful discussion” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which he announced the United States would purchase Russian diesel. Trump said Moscow had agreed to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, with additional shipments expected in November and subsequent months. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed diesel prices for Americans — “and, indeed, the world” — would come down fast. He said lowering fuel costs for farmers, ranchers and truckers was his “greatest priority”. Diesel has become a political concern for the administration: prices reached a record $6.52 per gallon in September and stood at around $6.28 on Friday, raising costs across transport and agriculture.
What it means for India
The waiver comes against the backdrop of repeated US pressure on India to reduce its purchases of Russian oil, with tariff threats used as leverage. Any easing of restrictions on Russian energy trade could give New Delhi greater room to manage its energy needs and the risk of further US trade penalties. However, the waivers do not by themselves establish that all tariffs or trade measures specifically affecting India have been withdrawn. The executive order also directs the US Trade Representative to monitor countries’ purchases of Russian crude oil and natural gas, and efforts to evade sanctions, and report developments to the president.
Source credit: News18, Indian Express (published 17 October 2026) — Niazi TV News
