Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has announced a major shift in its crude sourcing strategy, confirming that it has halted all imports of Russian crude oil for its Jamnagar Special Economic Zone (SEZ) refinery starting 20 November 2025. The Jamnagar SEZ unit is an export-oriented refinery, and the decision ensures that all fuels exported from this facility will comply with tightening international sanctions.
Beginning 1 December 2025, every product exported from the SEZ refinery will be refined entirely from non-Russian crude, marking a complete transition ahead of the European Union’s upcoming ban on refined fuels produced from Russian-origin oil, which takes effect on 21 January 2026. This early compliance reflects Reliance’s intent to safeguard uninterrupted access to key global markets.
The company clarified that it has honoured all pre-committed shipments of Russian crude that were contracted before the new restrictions. The final such cargo was reportedly loaded on 12 November 2025. To maintain regulatory alignment, Reliance will now divert any Russian crude arriving after 20 November to its Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) refinery, which caters mainly to the Indian market.This strategic realignment comes amid increasing U.S., U.K., and EU sanctions on Russian oil supplies, including those from major producers such as Rosneft and Lukoil. By reworking its sourcing and refining routes, Reliance aims to ensure compliance, protect export revenues, and maintain operational flexibility while continuing to meet global demand for its refined petroleum products.
