New Delhi: In a major policy shift, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has halted the import of Russian crude oil to its Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, aligning its operations with the European Union’s strict sanctions on fuel derived from Russian oil.
Reliance, one of India’s largest buyers of Russian crude, announced that it has completely stopped using Russian oil in its export-oriented refinery facilities. This strategic move ensures that all petroleum products leaving the refinery fully comply with the EU’s import regulations.
According to an official company statement, Reliance ceased Russian crude imports to its SEZ refinery on November 20. Beginning December, every exported product— including petrol, diesel, and other fuels—will be manufactured exclusively from non-Russian crude.
“We implemented the transition well ahead of the EU deadline to guarantee full compliance with European import restrictions,” the company spokesperson said.
Reliance has long been a key exporter of refined fuels to the EU, the United States, and global markets. However, with the US targeting Russia’s oil revenues through sanctions and the EU banning imports of fuel produced from Russian crude, the company has opted to completely terminate Russian oil intake.
This marks a significant turning point in India’s energy trade dynamics as global pressure intensifies on Russian oil flows.
