Kazakh Oil Shipments to Germany via Druzhba Pipeline to Be Suspended
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that shipments of Kazakh oil to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline will be suspended from May 1. Novak cited "technical" reasons for the halt, stating the volumes would be redirected to other logistics routes.
Novak commented that Germany "has given up on Russian oil, so they are doing fine," referencing Europe's broader decision to reduce energy imports from Russia.
The suspension will directly impact the PCK refinery, located northeast of Berlin. According to a Financial Times report, this refinery supplies approximately 90% of the petrol, kerosene, and heating fuel to Berlin, its airport, and the surrounding region.
Background and Logistics
The Druzhba pipeline, which means "Friendship," runs through Russian territory. One of its branches travels through Belarus and Poland to reach Germany. The oil in question is from Kazakhstan, not Russia, but it transits through this Russian-controlled infrastructure.
Prior to Novak's statement, Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov and Germany's economic ministry had both indicated that no oil was scheduled to flow via this route in May. German regulators were formally notified of the planned suspension by Rosneft Deutschland, the German subsidiary of Russia's state-owned oil company.
Official Response from Germany
Germany's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy has acknowledged the situation. In a statement, the ministry said:
"Rosneft Deutschland is assessing the implications and will adapt to the situation. The company is aware of its responsibility to the region and will fulfil its obligations."
The ministry further stated that Rosneft Deutschland would utilize existing options to ensure supply security. It sought to reassure the public, noting that the absence of Kazakh oil deliveries "does not ultimately jeopardise the security of supply of mineral oil products in Germany, even if PCK Schwedt would have to operate at a lower capacity."