Reliance Industries Ltd has halted the use of Russian crude oil at its export-only refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to comply with European Union sanctions, PTI reported. The SEZ refinery supplies fuel to Europe, the United States and other overseas markets.
The company said it stopped importing Russian crude for the SEZ facility with effect from November 20. Reliance added that the refinery is currently processing older inventories of Russian oil and that exports from December 1 will be made only from non-Russian crude.
Reliance said the transition had been completed ahead of schedule to ensure full compliance with restrictions that take effect in January 2026.
EU curbs push operators to reconfigure crude sourcing
The European Union has imposed wide-ranging curbs on Russian energy revenues, including a prohibition on the import and sale of fuels produced from Russian crude. As Europe is a major destination for Reliance’s exports, the company has adjusted its crude slate to meet the requirements.
Reliance had earlier said it would realign refining operations to comply with restrictions announced by the EU, the UK and the United States. It also noted in October that it was assessing the implications of the latest measures.
Russian crude to be diverted to domestic market unit
The company said crude oil imports for the SEZ refinery are handled through a fully segregated system. All pre-committed Russian cargoes as of October 22, 2025, are being honoured. The last such shipment was loaded on November 12.
Any Russian crude arriving on or after November 20 will be processed at the company’s domestic tariff area refinery. Reliance said operational activities linked to existing supply arrangements can be completed in a compliant manner.
Imports recalibrated as sanctions tighten
Reliance has a long-term agreement with Rosneft to purchase up to 5,00,000 barrels per day. The company began reducing Russian imports after the United States sanctioned Rosneft and Lukoil, which together supplied most of the Russian crude entering India.
Reliance has extensive business exposure in the US and cannot risk additional scrutiny, industry sources said. Transactions involving the two sanctioned firms must be concluded by November 21.
Russia currently supplies nearly one-third of India’s crude imports, averaging 1.7 million barrels per day in 2025. About 1.2 million barrels per day came from Rosneft and Lukoil, largely purchased by private refiners including Reliance and Nayara Energy, with smaller allocations to state-run refiners.
