US Softens Threatened 500% Tariff on Nations Buying Russian Oil and Gas

The United States has eased its threatened 500% tariff on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, offering relief to major importers including India and China. The revised policy includes an exemption for nations that import less than 15% of Russia's total natural gas exports. Countries must also demonstrate they are actively taking steps to reduce their dependence on Russian energy to qualify for the exception. This updated framework could potentially exempt Japan, France, Hungary, and Belgium from the punitive tariffs. The move signals a more flexible US approach to enforcing energy-related economic pressure on Russia.