The 18th package of sanctions approved by the EU countries envisages a ban on imports from third countries of refined products derived from Russian oil. The main suppliers are India, where Rosneft operates a half-owned refinery, and Turkey, which has made billions selling supposedly refined Russian fuel to Europe.

India is confident of meeting its oil needs from alternative sources if Russian supplies are hit by secondary sanctions, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday.

India remains unconcerned by potential secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers, asserting its diversified supply sources will ensure uninterrupted crude flows.