Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has stopped importing Russian crude oil into its special export-oriented refinery in Jamnagar, Gujarat, from November 20, 2025. The move is aimed at ensuring full compliance with European Union sanctions, which will prohibit the import of fuels made from Russian crude starting January 21, 2026.
According to Reliance, all products exported from the Jamnagar SEZ refinery will be made entirely from non-Russian oil from December 1. Existing shipments booked before October 22, 2025, will continue as planned. The last Russian crude shipment for the SEZ refinery was loaded on November 12, 2025.
Any Russian crude arriving after November 20 will be routed to Reliance’s domestic-market refinery, rather than the export-oriented unit. The company said this shift, or “recalibration” of Russian oil imports, has been completed ahead of schedule.
This decision also reflects compliance with US sanctions, which required companies to wind down trade with major Russian oil producers, including Rosneft and Lukoil, by November 21, 2025.
Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery complex is one of the largest single-location refineries in the world, with a capacity of 1.24 million barrels per day. The export-focused SEZ refinery plays a key role in supplying fuel and petrochemical products to global markets.
By halting Russian crude at its SEZ unit, Reliance not only aligns with international regulations but also ensures uninterrupted exports and strengthens its global supply chain. Analysts note this move may also help the company avoid potential penalties and maintain its credibility with European and US buyers.