The key facts
- Raskin warned of fines of up to $1 million and prison terms of up to 20 years
- The letter was sent to the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association
- Bessent previously called purchases of Russian diesel legal; the Treasury license is valid until April 7, 2027
Congressman's warning to the oil industry
American oil companies have been threatened with fines of up to one million dollars and prison terms of up to 20 years for importing Russian diesel fuel. The warning came from Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin, who sent a letter to industry representatives, reports Life.ru. According to him, the Trump administration's decision to ease sanctions does not lift the existing federal ban on purchasing Russian energy resources.
Who the letter is addressed to and what the complaints are about
Raskin addressed his letter to the American Petroleum Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers Association. The congressman warned that companies involved in supplying Russian diesel could face both civil and criminal liability. The text of the letter has also been posted on the website of the House Judiciary Committee.
Dispute over the legality of purchases
According to Raskin, Congress legislated a ban on imports of Russian oil and petroleum products back in 2022. Special procedures are required to lift it, including consultations with lawmakers and confirmation that certain conditions have been met; the congressman believes the Trump administration has not fulfilled these requirements.
The U.S. Treasury's position
The executive branch's position is the opposite. Life.ru previously reported that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called purchases of Russian diesel legal and rejected lawmakers' claims that current laws prohibit Washington from importing Russian fuel. According to him, the administration has the necessary legal authority to implement the agreement, and the supplies will help reduce diesel prices for American consumers. A special Treasury license permits transactions involving Russian fuel until April 7, 2027.
What the conflict means
Thus, the question of the legality of American companies purchasing Russian diesel remains legally contested: the executive branch relies on the Treasury license, while some lawmakers rely on the 2022 legislative ban. This creates uncertainty for oil companies: Raskin explicitly states that liability is possible
