Washington, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant dismissed claims on Sunday that the newly enacted sanctions law named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham prohibits Washington from purchasing Russian diesel. His comments come just a week before the law is set to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian crude oil, including India.
Besant accused European nations of hypocrisy regarding their criticism of the sanctions, stating that they have provided more financial support to Russia since the war began than they have to Ukraine.
During an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Besant responded to concerns raised in Congress, asserting, “First, we will proceed with all the legal authority we possess.” He emphasized that any Congressional assertions claiming that the Graham bill prevents such actions are incorrect, insisting it is in the best interest of the American public.
He pointed out that the goal is to lower diesel prices. Addressing Europe, Besant noted that European countries have struggled to detach themselves from Russian energy. He criticized their energy policies as failures, stating that they continue to fund Vladimir Putin while claiming that relief from high diesel prices is unattainable.
Besant did not clarify which legal authorities the administration plans to rely on or how it will manage the tariff provisions of the law that are set to take effect next week.
The Treasury Department shared the full interview on social media. On Friday, former President Donald Trump announced that Russia would initially supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to U.S. and global markets.
The Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026 was signed into law on September 18. Under Section 112 of the act, the President must increase tariffs on all goods imported from Russia to the United States by up to 500% within 30 days, including petroleum products. Section 113 mandates a 100% tariff on all goods from countries that were among the top five importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas 12 months prior to the act’s enactment, should they continue to make new purchases after a 30-day period. Both deadlines will expire on October 18.
India has a direct interest in this outcome, having been one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil since 2022. Trump had previously imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods related to these purchases in August 2025.
Besant has previously highlighted India’s central role in the criticism of European energy trade with Russia. In January, he told CNBC that following the European Union’s signing of a free trade agreement with India, Russian oil is refined there, and the refined products are exported back to Europe, indirectly financing their own war.
India has consistently argued that it is held to different standards. The Ministry of External Affairs stated on August 4, 2025, that the U.S. continues to import uranium hexafluoride from Russia for its nuclear industry, along with palladium for its EV industry, as well as fertilizers and chemicals.
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