Reliance Industries Halts Russian Crude Imports Ahead of Sanctions Deadline

By Admin

21 Nov, 2025

Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) has officially halted the import of Russian crude oil into its Jamnagar refining complex in Gujarat, effective November 20. The move marks a significant shift in India’s oil procurement strategy as global sanctions tighten around Moscow’s energy sector and place increasing pressure on companies worldwide to adjust their supply chains.

Early Compliance With Global Sanctions

The conglomerate, which has had a long-term arrangement to source nearly 500,000 barrels per day from Russian energy major Rosneft, reaffirmed its commitment to adhering strictly to sanctions announced by the U.S., European Union and the U.K. Over the past months, these restrictions have intensified, with new U.S. measures directly targeting Russia’s biggest oil producers, including Rosneft and Lukoil.

To remain fully compliant, Reliance has accelerated its transition timeline and confirmed that all refined product exports from December 1 will be manufactured exclusively from non-Russian crude. This timeline is ahead of the original schedule and ensures alignment with upcoming product-import restrictions set to begin on January 21.

Key International Deadlines Driving the Shift

Under the latest U.S. guidance, global companies are required to conclude transactions involving Russian oil producers by November 21. At the same time, the European Union has introduced strict rules that prohibit, from January 21 onward, the acceptance of any fuel originating from refineries that processed Russian crude within 60 days of the bill of lading date. This EU rule carries particular importance because Europe contributes nearly 28% of Reliance’s total refined product exports.

Honouring Existing Commitments

Despite the changes, Reliance clarified that its pre-committed liftings of Russian crude, as of October 22, are being respected because logistics and shipping arrangements had already been finalised. The final cargo under these pre-existing commitments was loaded on November 12. Any Russian shipments arriving on or after November 20 will no longer be used for export-oriented production and will instead be directed to the refinery’s Domestic Tariff Area for processing.

Commitment to Global Compliance

With this decision, Reliance Industries underscores its strong commitment to meeting international compliance norms while preserving its longstanding strategic supplier relationships. As regulatory landscapes shift and sanctions tighten, the company’s proactive response highlights its ability to adjust swiftly while ensuring uninterrupted operations and responsible global trade practices.