Reliance Industries, India’s largest private conglomerate, has halted imports of Russian crude oil at its export-only refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, effective November 20, 2025. This strategic move is aimed at complying with European Union sanctions that restrict the import of fuels produced from Russian crude, set to be enforced from January 2026, marking a significant shift in India’s energy trade amid mounting global pressure.
Reliance Industries operates the world’s largest single-site oil refining complex in Jamnagar, which consists of two refineries: one in a special economic zone (SEZ) for exports and another for the domestic market. The company has been a major buyer of Russian oil, processing discounted crude into fuels like petrol and diesel for international markets, including Europe and the United States. By stopping Russian crude imports at the SEZ refinery, Reliance ensures that its export products will not violate upcoming EU regulations, safeguarding its access to key markets.
The announcement was made on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with a company spokesperson confirming that imports of Russian crude into the SEZ refinery have ceased. This decision aligns with Reliance’s commitment to adhere to all applicable international restrictions. The firm had been gradually reducing its reliance on Russian oil since the imposition of US sanctions on Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil in October 2025, which targeted entities funding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
Reliance’s shift away from Russian crude is part of a broader recalibration of its supply chain. The company has stated that all product exports from the SEZ refinery will be sourced from non-Russian crude starting December 1, 2025. This timeline allows for the processing of existing inventories of Russian oil, with the final cargo having been loaded on November 12. The transition was completed ahead of schedule to ensure full compliance before the EU sanctions take effect, minimizing disruptions to operations.
The European Union’s sanctions package, adopted in late July 2025, includes measures to curb Russia’s energy revenues by banning the import of refined products made from Russian crude. Reliance, which exports a significant portion of its fuels to Europe, cannot risk losing access to this lucrative market. Similarly, US sanctions have pressured Indian refiners to diversify their oil sources, with Reliance having substantial business interests in the United States that could be jeopardized by non-compliance.
India has become one of the largest importers of Russian oil since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, with Russian crude accounting for nearly a third of India’s imports. Reliance alone purchased about half of the 1.7-1.8 million barrels per day of Russian crude shipped to India, under a long-term deal with Rosneft for up to 500,000 barrels per day. The cessation of imports by Reliance could signal a broader trend among Indian refiners to reduce dependence on Russian oil amid global geopolitical tensions.
Looking ahead, Reliance will continue to process Russian crude at its domestic tariff area refinery, but the SEZ unit will exclusively use non-Russian sources. This move may lead to increased costs or shifts in supply chains, as the company seeks alternative crude sources from regions like the Middle East or Africa. The Indian government has emphasized consumer priorities, but private refiners like Reliance are adjusting to international pressure, potentially reshaping global oil trade flows in the coming months.
