India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, said it will stop importing Russian crude into its export-only Jamnagar refinery, effective Thursday. From Dec. 1, all exports will come solely from non-Russian sources.

The timing is striking. Trump’s sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil formally take effect on Friday, suggesting that Reliance’s pivot could be a nod to the U.S. political pressure.

Decade-Long Deal Shelved

Only a year ago, Reliance signed a 10-year agreement to buy 500,000 barrels per day of Russian crude.

The Jamnagar facility is among the largest single-site refineries in the world, with separate units for domestic and export markets. While all pre-committed Russian cargoes shipped up to Oct. 22 are being honored, the final such shipment is expected to leave by Nov. 12, the company said.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.

Russian barrels will now be processed only ...