New Delhi. Despite US pressure on international forums and sanctions from Western countries, India continues to import and export crude oil from Russia. Indian refineries are processing Russian crude oil and selling petroleum products made from it in the markets of European and Western countries. According to the latest report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), an international think tank, in September 2026, about $ 1.2 billion (1 billion euros) worth of oil products were sent from refineries in India, Turkey and Brunei to countries that have imposed strict sanctions on Russia. This figure has been recorded 43 percent more than last month in August.
Jamnagar Refinery plays a key role and supplies to European markets
According to the data of the report, Gujarat-based Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar Refinery was at the forefront in this business of processing Russian oil and sending it to western countries. Six of the seven ships that docked at various EU ports in September were loaded with petroleum products from the Jamnagar refinery. Of these, three consignments were sent to Italy, two to Romania and one each to Spain and Cyprus. Apart from this, a large consignment of about 1.04 lakh tonnes of diesel was also sent from Jamnagar to Rotterdam Port in the Netherlands.
Demand for changes in procurement and rules from western countries amid sanctions
Despite the European Union banning direct imports of petroleum products made from Russian crude from January 2026, these products are reaching Western markets unhindered through third countries. In the month of September, the European Union purchased products worth 667 million Euros, Australia 168 million Euros and America 154 million Euros from these refineries. In view of this situation, CREA has recommended that a complete ban should be imposed on refineries which have processed Russian crude within the last six months.
Slight decline in India’s imports and big market for Russia
However, in the month of September, India’s total import of crude oil from Russia registered a decline of 13 percent as compared to August. Imports declined by 27 per cent at Jamnagar refinery and 21 per cent at Paradip, while Nayara Energy’s Vadinar refinery overtook Jamnagar in Russian oil imports. Despite this decline, India still remains a huge energy customer of Russia. In September, India purchased energy products worth a total of 410 crore euros from Russia, out of which 360 crore euros were spent only on crude oil. Analysts believe that this partial reduction in imports is not just a result of diplomatic pressure, but supply limitations and increasing competition from China.
