Russia Will Shut Flow of Druzhba Pipeline Oil Into Germany
Druzhba Pipeline shutdown by Putin’s Russia: two can play this game – Wiki Commons
The pipeline known as Druzhba—ironically named for “friendship”—has become a focal point of growing tension rather than cooperation.
On the same day, two major developments underscored the strain. Ukraine resumed transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the pipeline after previously halting the flow. This move came alongside approval from the European Union for a long-anticipated €90 billion loan package for Kyiv. However, Hungary and Slovakia chose not to participate financially, opting out of contributing to the fund.
At the same time, Russia signaled another disruption, announcing plans to shut down a key section of the Druzhba pipeline that supplies oil toward Germany. According to reports, the closure is expected within days and would cut off access to Kazakh oil moving through the route. The timing adds further pressure as global energy markets are already dealing with instability tied to the conflict involving Iran.
Russian oil flowed through the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline after a halt lasting months, officials said, allowing Hungary to lift its veto on a $105.79 billion EU loan urgently needed by Kyiv https://t.co/QpwcKsvVXe pic.twitter.com/mtLtL5qYZt
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 22, 2026
Russia has notified Germany that it will halt oil deliveries from Kazakhstan via the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1
The suspension is expected to increase uncertainty in Germany’s energy supply, especially as the ongoing conflict with Iran is already disrupting Middle Eastern… pic.twitter.com/DMx2qlc1HZ
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 22, 2026
Germany stands to be heavily affected. The pipeline currently provides about 17% of the crude oil processed by the PCK refinery, a critical facility that supplies most of Berlin’s fuel, including gasoline, heating oil, and kerosene for the city’s airport. With supply concerns mounting, German officials have already reduced the country’s economic growth forecast for the year to 0.5%, down from earlier expectations. That follows a sluggish 0.2% growth rate last year, suggesting only a slight improvement rather than a meaningful rebound.
The PCK refinery, located roughly 60 miles northeast of Berlin, plays a central role in the capital’s energy supply, making any disruption to the pipeline a significant concern for both industry and daily life in the region.
About Post Author
