Reliance Industries Ltd, India’s largest private oil refiner, plans to adjust its crude oil imports from Russia to comply with Indian government guidelines, as reported by news agency Reuters.
The announcement comes in the wake of new U.S. and European sanctions targeting Russian oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft, imposed amid growing tensions over Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
India became the top importer of discounted Russian seaborne oil after Western nations suspended purchases following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
From January to September 2025, India imported approximately 1.7 million barrels per day of Russian crude, with private refiners Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy accounting for the bulk of these imports.
Reliance, which operates the world’s largest refining complex with a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day, also procures oil from the spot market to support operations.
The U.S. sanctions, announced by President Donald Trump, require companies to wind down transactions with Rosneft and Lukoil by November 21.
In response, Reliance has stated that recalibration of Russian oil imports is ongoing and will be fully aligned with government directives.
State-owned refiners, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, and Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals, have also paused Russian crude purchases as they reassess contracts to ensure compliance.
The adjustments in imports by Indian refiners mark a significant shift in the global oil trade.
India, which has been a major buyer of discounted Russian crude, now faces the challenge of securing alternative sources to maintain refining operations.
Experts note that this may lead to temporary changes in supply patterns, with Middle Eastern and African crude increasingly sought to meet domestic demand.
Reliance’s compliance underscores the delicate balance between energy security and international regulatory obligations.
The recalibration demonstrates how geopolitical developments, including sanctions and the Ukraine conflict, are shaping corporate strategies and impacting the global energy market.
As the November 21 deadline approaches, Indian refiners continue to evaluate contracts and logistics to ensure operational continuity while adhering to international sanctions.
The evolving situation will likely influence crude pricing, supply chains, and the broader oil trade in the months ahead.
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