Reliance Industries Ltd. has stopped importing Russian crude oil into its Jamnagar refining complex in Gujarat, effective November 20, the company confirmed on Thursday. The move comes as global sanctions tighten around Moscow’s energy sector.
The conglomerate, which has a long-term agreement to source nearly 500,000 barrels per day from Russian major Rosneft, reiterated that it would fully comply with sanctions imposed by the U.S., European Union and the U.K. These restrictions have intensified in recent months, with new U.S. measures targeting Russia’s top producers, Rosneft and Lukoil.
Reliance said all refined product exports from December 1 will be made exclusively from non-Russian crude. The transition, originally planned for later, has been completed ahead of schedule to ensure compliance with product-import curbs set to take effect on January 21.
Under the latest U.S. guidance, companies must wind down transactions with Russian oil producers by November 21. Meanwhile, the EU has mandated that from January 21 it will not accept fuels originating from refineries that received or processed Russian crude within 60 days of the bill of lading. Europe currently accounts for 28% of Reliance’s exports.
The company added that all pre-committed liftings of Russian crude as of October 22 are being honoured, as shipping and logistical arrangements were already in place. The final cargo under these commitments was loaded on November 12. Any shipments arriving on or after November 20 will be directed to the refinery’s Domestic Tariff Area for processing.
Reliance said the measures demonstrate its commitment to adhering strictly to global compliance norms while maintaining strong supply relationships.
