Reliance rejects report on Russian oil shipments to Jamnagar refinery
The company clarified that no Russian oil cargoes arrived at Jamnagar over the past three weeks and that it does not anticipate deliveries of Russian crude in January
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) on Tuesday (January 6) rejected a media report claiming that the company had received Russian crude oil at its Jamnagar refinery in recent weeks.
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The company clarified that no Russian oil cargoes have arrived at the Jamnagar refinery over the past three weeks and that it does not anticipate any deliveries of Russian crude in January.
No consignments received
In a statement posted on social media, Reliance said, “A news report in Bloomberg claiming that ‘three vessels laden with Russian oil are heading for Reliance Industries Limited’s Jamnagar refinery’ is blatantly untrue.”
Reliance Industries reiterated that there have been no recent consignments of Russian crude delivered to the refinery.
“Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery has not received any cargo of Russian oil in the past approximately three weeks and is not expecting any Russian crude oil deliveries in January,” the statement said.
Company issues clarification
The company further noted that vessel tracking data merely indicate possible destinations and do not confirm actual purchases or deliveries. Reliance also expressed strong displeasure at the publication of the report despite its denial.
Also Read: Reliance to comply with US sanctions on Russian oil, adjust refinery operations
“We are deeply pained that those who claim to be at the forefront of fair journalism chose to ignore RIL’s denial of purchasing any Russian oil for delivery in January and proceeded to publish an incorrect report that tarnishes our image,” the company added.
Located in Gujarat, the Jamnagar refinery is the world’s largest oil refining complex and is a key contributor to India’s fuel supply and export capacity.
Report cites vessel tracking data
Bloomberg on January 2 reported that three vessels carrying around 2.2 million barrels of Russian crude were bound for Jamnagar.
The report cited vessel tracking data from Kpler, which monitors ship movements and projected destinations, and suggested that Reliance may have resumed imports of Russian crude after previously scaling them back amid US sanctions.
Also Read: Reliance Industries to review Russian oil imports amid US sanctions: Report
The report came at a time when the United States and the European Union had tightened sanctions on Russian oil, including curbs on shipping, insurance and financial transactions.