U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Venezuelan oil imports, a move that could significantly impact India, one of the largest buyers of Venezuelan crude.
India has been increasingly reliant on Venezuelan oil due to its competitive pricing, especially after Western sanctions limited purchases from Russia and Iran. However, if the U.S. enforces steep tariffs, the cost of Venezuelan crude could rise sharply, forcing Indian refiners to seek alternative sources.
Experts warn that this policy could disrupt India’s energy security, increasing import costs and potentially affecting fuel prices domestically. Additionally, the move might strain diplomatic ties between India and the U.S., given India’s strategic partnerships in the energy sector.
While Trump’s stance aligns with his broader “America First” trade policies, global markets are closely watching how India and other major oil importers react to this potential disruption.
