Nayara Energy sues Microsoft alleging abrupt service suspension ‘without prior notice’: ‘Microsoft is currently….’
Nayara Energy – Indian refiner backed by Russia has initiated a legal action against Microsoft alleging that the US-based software giant abruptly cut off access to essential services. According to a Reuters report, the company claims that Microsoft’s move was “unilateral” and made without consultation. “Microsoft is currently restricting Nayara Energy’s access to its own data, proprietary tools, and products—despite these being acquired under fully paid-up licenses,” the company said in a statement.For those unaware, Nayara operates the country’s third-largest refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat in addition to over 6,000 fuel stations. The company typically exports at least four million barrels of refined products per month, including diesel, jet fuel, gasoline and naphtha.
Why Nayara Energy is suing Microsoft
The dispute follows Microsoft’s decision last Tuesday to suspend services for Nayara Energy. Since then, the company’s staff have reportedly been unable to access Outlook email and Microsoft Teams.Nayara claims the suspension came “without prior notice, consultation or recourse, and under the guise of compliance.”
Legal petition filed in Delhi High Court
In response, Mumbai-based Nayara Energy has filed a legal petition with the Delhi High Court, seeking an interim injunction and immediate restoration of services. In its petition, the company says that the aim is to “safeguard its rights and ensure continued access to essential digital infrastructure.”Nayara Energy, a significant buyer of Russian crude, was recently sanctioned by the European Union. The company is majority-owned by Russian entities, including Rosneft. Since the sanctions were imposed, at least two ships skipped loading at its Vadinar refinery, and a tanker carrying Russian Urals crude was rerouted.Amid these challenges, Nayara’s chief executive Des Dorides resigned recently. Denisov has been with Nayara since 2017. His LinkedIn profile describes him as Nayara’s chief development office. The company has appointed Sergey Denisov as the new CEO.
