India’s Export of Russian-Free Jet Fuel: A Strategic Shift Impacting Global Energy Markets and Business Opportunities
SINGAPORE — Reliance Industries has partially unloaded a jet fuel shipment in Italy, marking India’s first export to Europe since the European Union’s ban on products derived from Russian oil took effect on January 21, according to ship-tracking data and industry sources.
India, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude, is under close scrutiny by market participants watching its refined oil exports to Europe for potential disruptions that could increase prices for alternative supplies.
The EU’s embargo on importing products made from Russian crude aims to reduce Moscow’s oil revenue, which supports its military activities in Ukraine.
Reliance operates two refineries at its Jamnagar complex — one focused on exports and the other on serving the domestic market. The company announced on November 20 that it had ceased processing Russian crude at its export-oriented refinery.
The Aframax tanker Liwa-V, chartered by Reliance, discharged approximately 390,000 barrels of jet fuel — about half of its cargo — at Fiumicino port near Rome between February 1 and 4, according to data from Kpler, Vortexa, and trade sources. The vessel had arrived in Italy around January 8 and remained anchored outside the port for nearly three weeks, despite an initial unloading schedule set for January 24.
A Reliance spokesperson explained that “The discharge has been delayed due to bad weather. The ship has already discharged a substantial amount of cargo and is waiting outside the port to offload the remainder.”
Since the Ukraine conflict began, western countries have aimed to reduce dependence on Russian energy, while India has increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude.
Data from Kpler shows that India exported 4.1 million metric tons of jet fuel to Europe last year, nearly triple the volume shipped in 2021 before the conflict. India accounted for nearly 15% of Europe’s aviation fuel imports between 2022 and 2025.
Reliance has issued written declarations to European buyers and traders confirming that fuels exported to Europe were not produced using Russian crude.
Sparta Commodities analyst James Noel-Beswick noted, “Reliance maintains that segregation of diesel streams is possible, and one would expect the company to explore workarounds such as FOB sales or blending operations should European buyers remain cautious.”
In January, only one other Indian jet fuel shipment, carried by the tanker Karpathos, was scheduled for Europe, according to shipping data and trade sources.
So far, Europe has not received any diesel imports from India since the ban was implemented.
— Reuters
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
India’s strategic maneuver to export refined jet fuel to Europe despite the EU’s Russian oil ban highlights opportunities for alternative energy suppliers as Europe seeks new sources. For businesses in Oman, this shift signals the growing importance of diversified energy supply chains and compliance transparency. Smart investors should consider the potential for expanding refined fuel exports and downstream refining ventures while mitigating risks linked to geopolitical dynamics and supply disruptions.
