President Donald Trump has waived sanctions under the 2026 Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, allowing the United States to purchase 300,000 tonnes of diesel from Russia.
Trump invoked a provision in an executive order issued Saturday that lets the president waive the Act’s duties and restrictions when it serves the national interest. The waiver follows the law’s passage earlier this year, which targeted Russian energy and goods to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
The decision comes as diesel prices hit a record $6.52 per gallon in September, climbing to $6.28 by Friday. Truck drivers and farmers have long complained that surging fuel costs squeeze margins, and the administration says the waiver will bring prices down quickly.
The order removes duties set in Sections 112 and 113, as well as sanctions under Section 102(d), while preserving a 500% duty on Russian goods and a 100% duty on certain importers of Russian energy. The U.S. Trade Representative will monitor purchases of Russian crude and gas and report any evasion attempts to the president.
Trump said the waiver would remain until the administration deems further action necessary, and he expects the move to influence the November 3 midterm elections. Moscow has agreed to supply the diesel, and Washington has already urged India to curb its own Russian energy imports.