Russia to Block Kazakh Oil to German Refinery via Druzhba Pipeline From May 1
Germany reports Russia will halt Kazakh oil flow via the Druzhba pipeline to a German refinery from May 1. While Rosneft Germany cited a Russian energy ministry order, Moscow has not directly confirmed it. Germany expects limited impact on fuel supply, citing alternative delivery options.
Germany announced Wednesday that Russia plans to halt the flow of Kazakh oil through the Druzhba pipeline to a refinery in eastern Germany starting May 1. Rosneft Germany, the German subsidiary of Russia’s state-owned oil company, informed German regulators that the Russian energy ministry ordered the halt, though Moscow has not directly confirmed this to Berlin.
The PCK refinery near the Polish border supplies much of the Berlin region with fuel. The German government, which took Rosneft Germany into trusteeship after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, expressed confidence that the impact would be limited. Officials stated that the lack of Kazakh oil deliveries would not jeopardize Germany's overall supply of mineral oil products, even if the refinery operates at lower capacity. The refinery also has a pipeline connection to the Baltic Sea port of Rostock for potential seaborne crude deliveries.
Kazakh oil was sourced for the PCK refinery to replace Russian crude imports following EU sanctions on Russia's energy sector. The German government is seeking a new buyer for the Rosneft subsidiary, which is the majority owner of the refinery.