NEW DELHI, Aug 7 (Reuters) -

Russia-backed private refiner Nayara Energy, which was

sanctioned by the European Union last month, has sought help

from India's shipping ministry to get vessels for the movement

of its refined fuels, a government source said on Thursday.

Sanctions-hit Nayara is struggling to get vessels for the

supply of refined fuels for its retail stations in India. The

private refiner has already cut crude runs at its refinery.

Since EU's sanctions, Nayara has faced shippers asking

for

termination of contracts

and Microsoft ( MSFT ) briefly suspending critical

services.

The ministries of shipping, oil and foreign affairs will

shortly meet to look into Nayara's request, the source told

reporters after a meeting with Nayara officials.

New Delhi is exploring possibilities of arranging

India-flagged vessels of local companies for the private

refiners. Vessel owners are citing problems including availing

insurance cover for undertaking voyages for Nayara,

the source added.

(Writing by Hritam Mukherjee; Editing by Sonia Cheema and

Nivedita Bhattacharjee)