The ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that country won't stop crude oil imports from Iran, sources privy to the developments told CNBC-TV18.

MEA has reiterated that it will do everything to fulfil the country's energy needs as US sanctions are due to go into effect by November 4, said people familiar with the matter.

US President Donald Trump in May withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, re-imposing economic sanctions against the Persian Gulf nation. Some sanctions took effect from August 6 while those affecting the oil and banking sectors will start from November 4.

India is the second largest buyer of Iranian crude after China, accounting for about 30 per cent of total crude exports from the Persian Gulf nation during April-August 2018.

Indian refineries, which import over 80 per cent of their crude feedstock from overseas, sourced about 14 per cent of their imports from Iran.

(With inputs from PTI)

First Published:Oct 18, 2018 7:30 PM IST