Finance
Russia to Stop Kazakh Oil Flows to German Refinery via Druzhba, Berlin Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 22, 2026
3 min readLast updated: April 22, 2026
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Germany’s economy ministry says Russia plans to halt Kazakh crude via Druzhba to the PCK Schwedt refinery from May 1, challenging fuel supply that covers 17 % of the refinery’s needs; Germany is exploring alternatives and signals supply remains secure.
Russia to Halt Kazakh Oil to German Schwedt Refinery via Druzhba Pipeline
Impact and Details of Russian Halt on Kazakh Oil Supply to Germany
By Christoph Steitz
Background of the Supply Halt
FRANKFURT, April 22 (Reuters) - Germany has been informed that Russia will stop the supply of Kazakh crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline, the economy ministry said on Wednesday, forcing one of its biggest refineries to make up for that gap from elsewhere.
The move, which Germany says has not yet been confirmed by the Russian government, would deal a major blow to the PCK Schwedt refinery, which supplies most of the fuel to Berlin.
It also adds to Germany's fuel supply concerns as the Iran war disrupts flows from the Gulf.
Volume and Timeline of Kazakh Oil Exports
Kazakhstan's oil exports to Germany via Russia's Druzhba pipeline totalled 2.146 million metric tons, or around 43,000 barrels per day, last year, an increase of 44% from 2024, and 730,000 tons in the first quarter of 2026.
Three industry sources had told Reuters on Tuesday that Russia was set to stop oil exports from Kazakhstan via the Druzhba pipeline starting from May 1.
Pipeline Routes and Operational Status
Supplies to Germany have been carried over a northern section of the pipeline, separate from the southern one that supplies Hungary and Slovakia and is about to resume operation after repairs following a Russian drone strike in January.
German Response and Refinery Implications
Germany controls Schwedt via a trusteeship after it effectively seized the stake of its majority owner Rosneft following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Official Statements and Actions
The ministry said Rosneft had informed Berlin that "on the instructions of the Russian Ministry of Energy, from May 1, 2026, no Kazakh crude oil may be transported via the Druzhba pipeline through the territory of the Russian Federation to the PCK refinery."
Rosneft Germany was assessing the step and would adapt to any new situation, the ministry said, adding the Russian group was aware of its responsibility to the region.
"At the same time, existing options will be utilised to ensure security of supply in Germany," it said.
Supply Security and Market Effects
It also said that the lack of supplies from Kazakhstan - which cover about 17% of Schwedt's needs - did not "ultimately jeopardise the security of supply of petroleum products in Germany."
The Federal Network Agency, the country's energy regulator, which acts as trustee of Rosneft Germany's activities, said there might still be regional pricing effects, adding it was closely coordinating with the company.
Stakeholder Responses
Russia's energy ministry declined to comment and Rosneft Germany was not immediately available for comment.
While stripped of control via the German trusteeship, Rosneft remains the main legal owner of the Schwedt refinery, holding a 54.17% stake, with Shell and Eni holding 37.5% and 8.33%, respectively.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Christoph Steitz, Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by Matthias Williams, Thomas Seythal and Tomasz Janowski)
Key Takeaways
- •Russia is expected to stop transporting Kazakh oil via the Druzhba pipeline to Germany’s PCK Schwedt refinery from May 1, affecting around 43,000 barrels per day (730,000 t in Q1 2026), though Russia hasn’t officially confirmed the move (astanatimes.com).
- •Kazakh Energy Minister confirmed the suspension and attributed it to Russian-side technical constraints, with zero volumes expected in May and Q2 2026; transit may resume once infrastructure issues are resolved (astanatimes.com).
- •PCK Schwedt, under German trusteeship though legally owned mostly by Rosneft, relies on Kazakh crude for about 17% of its needs; Germany says supply alternatives exist and security of supply isn’t jeopardized (portfolio-pplus.azurewebsites.net).
- •Kazakhstan had ramped up oil exports to Germany via Druzhba—from 1 M t in 2023 to 2.1 M t in 2025—and planned 2.5 M t in 2026, underscoring growing energy ties that are now disrupted (astanatimes.com).
- •Germany’s control of Rosneft’s refinery operations under trusteeship continues (recently extended through early 2026), ensuring operational oversight amid shifts in supply and ownership uncertainty (yahoo.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia to stop Kazakh oil flows to German refinery via Druzhba, Berlin says
1Why is Russia stopping Kazakh oil supplies to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline?
According to Germany's economy ministry, Russia informed Berlin that Kazakh crude oil flows via Druzhba to the PCK Schwedt refinery will stop by order of the Russian Ministry of Energy starting May 1, 2026.
2How significant are Kazakh oil supplies for the Schwedt refinery?
Kazakh oil covers about 17% of Schwedt refinery's needs, making the supply curb a notable challenge for the facility and regional fuel supply.
3Will the stoppage impact fuel security in Germany?
The German economy ministry stated that while there may be regional pricing effects, the lack of Kazakh oil does not ultimately jeopardize the country's overall petroleum product supply.
4Who currently controls the Schwedt refinery?
Schwedt refinery is under a German government trusteeship, though Rosneft remains the legal majority owner with a 54.17% stake.
5Are there alternative supply options for the Schwedt refinery?
Germany will utilize existing options to ensure security of fuel supply and adapt to the new situation if Kazakh oil via Druzhba is halted.
