Reliance Industries Russian Crude Oil Strategy Under EU Scrutiny Amid Sanctions

The European Union has introduced new restrictions on diesel and other petroleum products derived from Russian crude, even if processed outside Russia. This is part of broader sanctions aimed at reducing Moscow’s energy revenues. 

Reliance Buys Murban Crude in Unusual Deal

As per a Bloomberg report, Reliance Industries Ltd recently purchased a cargo of Murban crude from Abu Dhabi. This is not a regular grade for the company, which usually opts for Russian Urals or heavier Middle Eastern varieties. The deal came shortly after the EU's latest sanctions were announced.

Russia Still a Key Source for Reliance

Ship-tracking data from Kpler shows Russia accounted for nearly 50% of Reliance’s crude imports so far this year. Around 20% of the company’s refined product exports were sent to Europe. This trade pattern has now come under the scanner with the EU’s new policy on diesel linked to Russian oil.

As per report, Reliance has started looking at alternative suppliers beyond Russia. However, sourcing nearly 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day from elsewhere could pose logistical and cost-related challenges. No official comment has been made by the company.

Read more: Reliance Industries Acquires Additional 9.9% Stake in Nauyaan Shipyard for ₹54.70 Crore!

India Reacts to Secondary Sanctions Threat

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called for “balance” in applying secondary sanctions. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said last week that India is not overly concerned and will continue to secure its energy needs. About 35% of India’s overall oil imports in early 2025 came from Russia.

Reliance Industries Share Price Performance

As of 10:24 AM on July 24, 2025, Reliance Industries share price was trading at ₹1,417.50, a 0.50% decrease.

Conclusion

Reliance’s purchase patterns have drawn attention as the EU tightens rules on Russian oil-linked products. While there are signs of possible diversification, the scale of Reliance’s current dependency on Russian crude raises questions about the feasibility of a quick shift in supply.

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