No int'l sanctions on buying Russian crude, says Puri

There are no international sanctions banning crude oil purchases from Russia, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Friday.

- DEV CHATTERJEE

Rejecting criticism from Western commentators, Puri, during a media interaction, said: "There are no sanctions on Russian oil. If you want to sanction Russia, then it has to be a proper sanction and apply to all. Then we will see what the consequences are."

He added that energy is an essential commodity, and any global supply disruptions would sharply push energy prices higher and lead to inflation. "If you remove the world's second-largest producer, you will either have to cut consumption, stop eating, or face very serious consequences. Prices will shoot up," Puri said.

Puri also emphasised India's position as a responsible global actor."