Australian refiners cease purchase of Russian crude oil to support Ukraine

Viva Energy joins a spate of companies limiting, putting on hold, or exiting business activities in Russia.

Australian refiner Viva Energy said on Tuesday it would stop buying Russian crude oil, joining a growing number of companies to sever trade ties with the country over its invasion of Ukraine.

Viva joins a spate of companies limiting, putting on hold, or exiting business activities in Russia following a wave of sanctions imposed on Moscow after the invasion - the biggest on a European state since World War Two.

A spokesperson for Ampol, Australia's only other refiner, said the company has not bought Russian crude oil or products since the conflict started.

Viva, which operates in