Reliance Industries, India's largest private refiner, is significantly reducing its imports of Russian crude oil under pressure from U.S. sanctions. The company will import around 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) of non-sanctioned Russian crude from February, a substantial decrease from the over 500,000 bpd it previously imported through a long-term deal with Rosneft. This shift comes as India aims to appease the Trump Administration in trade talks and comply with U.S. sanctions on Russian producers, including Rosneft and Lukoil.
The U.S. President, Donald Trump, has targeted India for punishment due to its purchases of Russian crude oil, which support the Kremlin's energy revenues. As a result, Trump doubled the 25% tariff on India to 50% as of August 2025. In response, Reliance is limiting its Russian crude intake to about 150,000 bpd, a significant reduction from the previous 550,000 bpd. The remaining Russian crude will be processed at Reliance's Jamnagar refinery, which primarily serves the domestic market, despite the EU's recent ban on imports of petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil.
Reliance Industries had previously halted all Rosneft purchases following the U.S. sanctions and began procuring crude from non-Russian sources. The company's decision to reduce Russian crude imports aligns with India's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian oil, especially in the face of geopolitical tensions and trade sanctions.
