European Union sanctions against Russia’s largest oil refinery, operated by Rosneft in India, have led to tankers beginning to refuse the transport of oil products banned from being supplied to the EU.
According to reports, the first tanker has already declined to carry such cargo, signaling the growing impact of EU restrictions on Russian oil exports — even to third countries like India. Following Sanctions, Nayara Fails to Receive First Batch of Urals Crude — Tankers Divert or Refuse Cargo
For the first time since EU sanctions were introduced, India’s Nayara Energy has not received a scheduled shipment of Russian Urals crude oil. Tankers that were expected to deliver the oil either changed their routes or declined the cargo altogether.
Notably, the Omni tanker, carrying approximately 700,000 barrels of Russian crude, arrived at the Vadinar port in Gujarat on July 18, the same day the EU announced new sanctions. However, the vessel is now anchored off Mundra port in Punjab, with its destination changed.
Prior to that, two tankers that were supposed to collect diesel fuel produced at Nayara’s refinery in Vadinar canceled their bookings. The Talara was the first to withdraw, followed by the Chang Hang Xing Yun, which has since rerouted to Kuwait to collect a similar cargo.
Additionally, the Omni shipment of Urals crude was reportedly resold to HPCL-Mittal Energy at the Mundra port.
The sanctions are also impacting Nayara’s access to financing. The company now demands prepayment or letters of credit before shipment — a practice that contradicts the standard industry model, where payments are typically delayed by 15–30 days. This shift is causing traders to question the viability of participating in Nayara’s tenders.
Given the sanctions, industry observers expect shipowners to act more cautiously, and banks and trading partners may also reassess the terms of cooperation. Although the EU clarified that the sanctions will take full effect on January 21, 2026, the market is already responding.