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Germany’s PCK Schwedt refinery faces output cuts without Russian oil
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LONDON (Reuters) -Germany’s 233,000 barrel-per-day PCK Schwedt refinery is set to reduce output as it stops using Russian oil, which it now receives via the Druzhba pipeline, the chief executive of its minority shareholder Shell said on Thursday.
LONDON (Reuters) -Germany’s 233,000 barrel-per-day PCK Schwedt refinery is set to reduce output as it stops using Russian oil, which it now receives via the Druzhba pipeline, the chief executive of its minority shareholder Shell said on Thursday.
PCK Schwedt, majority-owned by Russia’s Rosneft, supplies Berlin and large parts of eastern Germany with gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and an alternative pipeline via the port of Rostock cannot fully replace Druzhba.
Germany is in talks with Poland about the possibility of routing some supplies from the port of Gdansk to Schwedt.
The European Union is planning to ban Russian oil from the end of this year, although some countries dependent on Russian pipeline oil such as the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Hungary have voiced concerns over the plan.
Shell Chief Executive Ben van Beurden told a conference call that stopping Russian purchases “will probably mean that that refinery will be turned down quite significantly because the incoming logistics are constrained and the refinery is not configured for anything else but Urals”, a Russian crude.
He added that while there was some underloading of European refineries other than PCK Schwedt when Shell first stopped buying Russian oil in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, they were now back at full capacity loadings.
(Reporting by Shadia Nasralla)
Frequently Asked Questions about Germany’s PCK Schwedt refinery faces output cuts without Russian oil
1What is the Druzhba pipeline?
The Druzhba pipeline is a major oil pipeline system that transports crude oil from Russia to various countries in Europe, including Germany.
2What is Urals crude oil?
Urals crude oil is a blend of crude oil produced in Russia, known for its medium density and sulfur content, often used by refineries in Europe.
3What is the European Union's stance on Russian oil?
The European Union plans to ban Russian oil imports by the end of the year, aiming to reduce dependency on Russian energy sources.
4What are the implications of stopping Russian oil purchases?
Stopping Russian oil purchases may lead to significant output reductions at refineries like PCK Schwedt, which are configured to process Russian crude.
5What is the significance of the PCK Schwedt refinery?
The PCK Schwedt refinery is crucial for supplying gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel to Berlin and eastern Germany, impacting regional energy security.
