HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), a joint venture between steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal's group and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), has officially suspended its purchases of Russian crude oil. This decision comes in light of new sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom on Russian oil producers. HMEL clarified that it had previously received Russian oil on a delivered basis, meaning the supplier arranged shipping, and all vessels used were unsanctioned. The company has committed to adhering to government policies and regulations, ensuring that all transactions undergo due diligence, including sanctions screening and vessel history checks. This move marks HMEL as the first Indian company to halt Russian oil purchases following the sanctions, highlighting the broader implications for energy security and compliance in the industry.