The trading arm of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR has suspended purchases of Russian crude oil for its Turkish refinery as the industry struggles with EU sanctions on shipping and crude oil, Reuters reported, citing sources.

Turkish refineries, including SOCAR's STAR refinery, have increased their purchases of Russian oil after the war in Ukraine.

According to Refinitiv Eikon, Russian flows to Turkey have already fallen last month to their lowest level since February, and the source said SOCAR is reviewing the situation to comply with Western sanctions.