Finance
Russia Confirms Halt to Kazakh Pipeline Oil Exports to Germany, Says Flows Will Be Diverted
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 22, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 22, 2026
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Russia will redirect Kazakhstan’s oil exports originally bound for Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1, citing logistic limitations, as confirmed by Deputy PM Novak and Kazakh authorities. Germany appears prepared due to its move away from Russian oil.
Russia to Halt Kazakh Pipeline Oil Exports to Germany, Diverting Flows
Russia Diverts Kazakh Oil Supplies from Germany
Logistical Changes and Agreements
MOSCOW, April 22 (Reuters) - Russia will divert oil supplies from Kazakhstan previously intended for Germany via the Druzhba pipeline to other routes starting from May 1, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday.
Novak said the logistical change was due to "technical possibilities" and had been agreed with Kazakhstan.
European Energy Import Decisions
"The Germans have given up on Russian oil, so they are doing fine," Novak said about Europe's decision to cut Russian energy imports.
Details on the Halt of Oil Exports
Reuters reported on Tuesday that Russia is set to stop oil exports from Kazakhstan to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting from May 1.
Kazakhstan's Response and Causes
Kazakhstan's energy minister said on Wednesday that no Kazakh oil was scheduled to flow via Russia's Druzhba pipeline to Germany in May, a disruption he said had likely been caused by Ukrainian drone strikes.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by ReutersWriting by Maxim Rodionov)
Key Takeaways
- •Russia will halt Kazakhstan-to-Germany oil transit via Druzhba from May 1, diverting flows elsewhere—confirmed by Deputy PM Alexander Novak and agreed with Kazakhstan on 'technical possibilities' (eadaily.com)
- •Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov confirmed zero volumes scheduled for May and likely into Q2, attributing the suspension to Russian technical inability—possibly due to Ukrainian attacks—and promising export rerouting via alternative routes (astanatimes.com)
- •Prior to the halt, Kazakhstan planned to deliver about 2.1 million tons to Germany in 2025 (rising to target 2.5 million tons in 2026), and volumes through Druzhba accounted for 20–30% of the Schwedt refinery’s needs—meaning the disruption could significantly impact Berlin’s fuel supply (astanatimes.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia confirms halt to Kazakh pipeline oil exports to Germany, says flows will be diverted
1When will Russia halt Kazakh oil exports to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline?
Russia will stop Kazakh oil exports to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting from May 1.
2Why are Kazakh oil supplies to Germany being diverted?
Supplies are being diverted due to technical possibilities and the decision was agreed with Kazakhstan.
3What did the Russian Deputy Prime Minister say about Europe's oil policy?
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that Germany has given up on Russian oil and is doing fine, referencing Europe's policy to cut Russian energy imports.
4What disruptions affected oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline?
Kazakhstan's energy minister indicated disruptions were likely caused by Ukrainian drone strikes.
5Will Kazakh oil flow to Germany via Russia's Druzhba pipeline in May?
No Kazakh oil is scheduled to flow via Russia's Druzhba pipeline to Germany in May.