The long-running privatisation of Russian state shipowner Sovcomflot (SCF) could be "postponed indefinitely", according to a report from Russia.

The Tass news agency cited four unnamed sources as saying the sale of a 25% stake in the tanker and LNGC player may be delayed yet again due to potential new sanctions against Russia from the US.

It had seemed as though the IPO was getting closer, with reports suggesting June and then July for a deal to be finalised.