Russia to Halt Oil Exports to Germany Via Druzhba Pipeline: Reuters
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Russia plans to halt oil exports to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1, according to industry sources.
- This potential disruption intensifies Germany's fuel supply uncertainty amid ongoing energy transport challenges.
- The move follows previous disruptions and a broader deterioration of Russia-Germany energy ties due to the Ukraine conflict.
Russia is reportedly planning to cease oil exports to Germany through the Druzhba pipeline beginning May 1, a move that industry sources revealed to Reuters under the condition of anonymity. A modified export schedule has allegedly already been sent to Kazakhstan and Germany, signaling a significant potential disruption.
This development exacerbates Germany's already precarious fuel supply situation, particularly as energy transport from the Middle East remains impacted by ongoing geopolitical events. The potential halt comes after years of strained energy relations between Berlin and Moscow, significantly worsened by the conflict in Ukraine. The Druzhba pipeline, a critical artery for Russian oil, has been a focal point of these tensions.
Kazakhstan's oil exports to Germany via Druzhba constituted approximately 43,000 barrels per day in 2025, representing about 17% of the crude processed by the PCK refinery in Schwedt. This refinery is vital for supplying fuel to the Berlin and Brandenburg regions. A complete cessation of these flows would significantly impact regional energy security.
Official responses have been cautious. The Russian Energy Ministry did not immediately comment, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated he had no knowledge of such a decision, promising to investigate. Neither the Kazakh Energy Ministry nor the German government provided immediate comment. Previous disruptions have occurred due to Ukrainian drone attacks on the Russian section of the pipeline, and Germany has taken measures such as placing Russian oil giant Rosneft's local subsidiaries under trusteeship.
We will try to check it.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.