Indonesia Defies US Pressure with Continued Russian Oil Imports
Indonesia is set to continue importing discounted Russian crude oil despite the risk of higher US tariffs. The country's decision comes as Washington tightens economic pressure on Moscow through legislation aimed at imposing sanctions and tariffs on top buyers of Russian crude oil.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, signed into law by President Donald Trump, targets the top five buyers of Russian crude oil, gas, and military equipment. The act also aims to sanction Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, which operate under complex ownership structures to evade Western sanctions.
Indonesia's decision to press ahead with Russian oil imports is driven by a desire to secure domestic energy supplies and manage fiscal pressures. The country is willing to accept the risk of higher US tariffs in exchange for discounted crude oil prices.