(MENAFN) Indian state-backed refinery HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) has announced that it will suspend further purchases of Russian crude oil following the imposition of a 50% US tariff on Indian imports last month.

HMEL, a joint venture between the private Mittal Group and state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., stated on Wednesday that the decision to halt Russian oil purchases was made in response to new restrictions from the US, EU, and UK and will apply pending any outstanding orders, according to reports.

"HMEL has already taken the decision to suspend further purchases of Russian crude upon recent announcements of new restrictions on imports of crude oil from Russia by the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom, pending receipt of any outstanding orders," the statement said.

The company, which operates its Bhatinda refinery in Punjab, emphasized that all transactions have adhered to government policies and regulations, with shipments handled under due diligence and compliance procedures and delivered on a “delivered-at-port” basis.

The US tariff targeted India partly because of its continued purchases of Russian oil amid the Ukraine war. US President Donald Trump had claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that New Delhi would eventually halt purchases of Russian crude.

Despite this, Russian officials have noted that India remains a significant buyer. Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev confirmed that Indian imports of Russian oil continued at high levels this year, and earlier in October, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stated that shipments to India were ongoing.

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