WASHINGTON, — U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has warned American oil companies that purchasing Russian diesel could expose them to civil and criminal penalties despite sanctions relief granted by President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a letter dated October 26, Raskin warned the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that importing Russian fuel could violate the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022.
“Those who choose to act in this way proceed at their own risk and will undoubtedly be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, whether in this Administration—or the next,” Raskin wrote.
Dispute Over Russian Energy Sanctions
The warning follows an arrangement announced by Trump earlier in October to allow Russian diesel supplies to reach the United States and global markets to help reduce fuel prices.
The plan calls for more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel in October, another 500,000 metric tons in November, and a further 1 million metric tons afterward. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general licence providing sanctions relief for related transactions.
Raskin argued that the administration’s action cannot override the 2022 law, which prohibits Russian energy imports unless specified conditions are met. These include Russia ending hostilities and withdrawing its forces from Ukraine, no longer posing an immediate military threat to NATO members, and recognising Ukrainians’ right to choose their government. He said the required conditions had not been met.
Three Tankers En Route to the United States
Russia has confirmed that three tankers carrying diesel are currently en route to the United States, with a fourth expected to depart on October 28, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
The first reported shipment, carrying approximately 40,000 metric tons of diesel, departed Russia’s Baltic port of Primorsk on October 22 and is expected to arrive in New York around November 7. Shipping reports indicate that three tankers carrying approximately 140,000 tonnes of Russian diesel are scheduled to arrive at U.S. ports in November.
The shipments are part of the arrangement between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The first cargo would mark the return of direct Russian diesel imports to the United States following the 2022 ban.
Potential Legal Penalties
Raskin warned that companies violating the congressional ban could face criminal fines of up to $1 million, civil penalties of up to twice the transaction’s value, and prison sentences of up to 20 years for individuals involved. The law carries a 10-year statute of limitations, potentially allowing legal action after the current administration ends.
The White House maintains that the arrangement complies with applicable laws and is intended to ease fuel costs. However, the conflicting positions of Congress and the executive branch have raised concerns for oil companies, shipping operators and financial institutions involved in the trade.
The three industry organisations had not issued formal public responses to Raskin’s letter at the time of reporting. Separate warnings have also been directed at banks and port authorities over their potential involvement in Russian diesel shipments.
Market analysts have cautioned that the additional supplies may have a limited effect on U.S. fuel prices because of Russian production constraints and continuing global supply pressures. The legal dispute remains unresolved as the tankers continue their journeys to the United States.
——— End of Article ———