India's Reliance vows compliance with EU's fuel import curbs

India's largest private refiner Reliance Industries said Oct. 24 it is assessing the implications of new Western sanctions on Russian crude imports and refined product exports to Europe, pledging full compliance while expressing confidence its diversified sourcing strategy will maintain operational stability.

The Mumbai-based conglomerate, which operates the world's largest refining complex at Jamnagar with 1.24 million b/d capacity, said it will adapt its refinery operations to meet new compliance requirements following restrictions announced by the EU, UK and US. The move comes as global refiners scramble to adjust supply chains amid tightening sanctions on Russian energy exports, potentially reshaping crude oil and refined product trade flows between Asia and Europe.

Reliance's statement signals how major Asian refiners are navigating the evolving sanctions landscape while balancing energy security concerns with regulatory compliance. A major part of the push comes from Europe's latest sanctions on Russia, which threaten to finally close the door on fuel imports made from Russian oil.

The company emphasized its "time-tested, diversified crude sourcing strategy" will continue to ensure stability for both domestic consumption and export requirements, including shipments to European markets.

"We will comply with the EU's guidelines on the import of refined products into Europe," a Reliance spokesperson said in the statement. "Whenever there is any guidance from the Indian government in this respect, as always, we will be complying fully."

Trade flows

The Indian refiner's response highlights the complex position of Asian energy companies as Western nations impose successive rounds of sanctions on Russian energy exports.

In 2025 to date, Europe has received some 230,000 b/d of refined products from India and Turkey, S&P Global Commodity Insights analysts estimate, down from 2023 highs of over 450,000 b/d. The two countries imported around 40%-60% of their crude from Russia in 2024, according to S&P Global Commodities at Sea data.

Indian refiners are likely to hold off on new Russian crude import deals due to US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil , yet flows are unlikely to come to an abrupt halt as sourcing alternative feedstock for existing volumes poses a significant challenge, refining sources and oil industry officials have told Platts.

Reliance noted that supply contracts typically "evolve to reflect changing market and regulatory conditions," suggesting potential adjustments to existing crude procurement arrangements while maintaining supplier relationships.

Reliance's Jamnagar complex has historically processed various crude grades from the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, with the flexibility to adjust feedstock based on market conditions and pricing. The company's export-oriented refining strategy has made it a significant supplier of refined products to global markets, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel shipments to Europe and other regions.