<h1>Refinery halts crude purchases from sanctioned producer amid sanctions, shipping risks, and banking compliance concerns</h1> A private refinery has suspended purchases of crude from a sanctioned producer following recent US, EU and UK restrictions, while asserting that vessels that delivered earlier consignments were not themselves sanctioned. The refinery cites delivered-at-port contracts where suppliers arranged shipping and says it conducted KYC, sanctions screening and vessel checks but may lack visibility over mid-sea ship transfers. The decision aims to align with government policy and applicable law; continued imports hinge on compliance with sanctions lists, shipping integrity and banking-system risk. Market participants face legal exposure from secondary sanctions, deceptive ship practices, and evolving regulatory interpretations affecting contracts and payment channels.