KIEV, March 1 - Russian oil major TNK-BP on Thursday stopped crude supplies and shut down indefinitely its Ukrainian oil refinery, shifting operation to importing gasoline and diesel fuel in Ukraine.

The move, which may result in massive layoffs, increases pressure on the Ukrainian government, which has earlier rejected TNK-BP’s suggestion to cut taxes on oil refineries.

TNK-BP said its operation in Ukraine was unprofitable due to lower gasoline prices and high costs of crude oil delivered to its Lisichansk Oil Refinery. The company reported $23 million in losses in 2011.