Russia to suspend Kazakhstan oil flows
Russia is set to halt oil exports from Kazakhstan to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline oil route from 1 May, according to three industry sources cited by Reuters.
The move is expected to impact supplies to one of Germany’s largest refineries and further strain already fragile energy flows in Europe.
Export schedule already adjusted
Sources said an updated export schedule has been sent to both Kazakhstan and Germany. Russia’s Energy Ministry has not commented, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he was unaware of the decision and would seek clarification.
The reported suspension of Druzhba pipeline oil flows marks another potential disruption in a key supply corridor.
Impact on German refinery supplies
In 2025, Kazakhstan exported around 2.146 million metric tons of oil (approximately 43,000 barrels per day) to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline, representing a 44% increase compared with the previous year.
The oil is transported through the northern branch of the pipeline via Poland to Germany’s PCK refinery in Schwedt, one of the country’s largest facilities.
The refinery has depended on Kazakh crude since Russian supplies were halted following the outbreak of the Ukraine war in 2022.
Energy ties strained since Ukraine war
Relations between Russia and Germany have sharply deteriorated since the start of the war in Ukraine, with Berlin supporting Kyiv.
In 2022, Germany placed local subsidiaries of Russian energy giant Rosneft under state trusteeship, significantly reshaping decades of energy cooperation.
The Druzhba pipeline oil system has also faced repeated disruptions, including reported Ukrainian drone strikes on infrastructure inside Russia.
Broader energy uncertainty
The potential halt adds further uncertainty to European energy security, particularly for refineries dependent on alternative supply routes after the reduction of Russian oil imports.
Officials in the energy sector are now assessing the potential impact on supply stability and refinery operations in Germany.
Also read: Uncertainty persists over crossings in the Strait of Hormuz
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