With the U.S. Congress greenlighting President Trump’s authority to slap up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, India; one of the biggest buyers; is quietly bracing for impact. The move isn’t just about geopolitics; it’s about inflation, fuel prices, and household budgets. New Delhi has already warned Washington that such a move could strain bilateral ties and destabilize global energy markets. But what happens if tariffs do come? Higher crude = higher petrol, diesel, LPG. And that means higher costs for transportation, food, and everything else. While the final decision rests with Trump, India’s energy planners are already running simulations and exploring alternatives; including more Middle Eastern crude and boosting domestic production. The bigger question? Can India navigate this without passing the pain to consumers? It’s a high-stakes game where one tariff decision in D.C. could reshape India’s inflation story for months to come.