Germany in emergency talks with Poland over Schwedt oil crisis after Russia cuts Druzhba flow

Rashmi Pandey — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:51:21 +0000

Germany’s Economy Ministry announced talks with Poland for short-term crude oil supplies to the PCK Schwedt refinery after Russia halted Kazakh oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. The move addresses supply risks for the key facility serving Berlin and Brandenburg, as Russia cited technical issues for the stoppage starting May 1.

Economy Minister Katherina Reiche stated on April 22 that Schwedt production would remain stable using alternatives from Gdansk and Rostock ports. The ministry confirmed ongoing coordination with Warsaw to ramp up Polish pipeline flows amid the Druzhba disruption.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced on April 21 that no Kazakh crude would transit Druzhba to Schwedt from May due to “technical possibilities.” Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov verified zero transit for May, linking it to Russian infrastructure strikes.

Schwedt, under Rosneft Deutschland trusteeship since 2022, processes 240,000 barrels daily, supplying 90% of Berlin’s fuel. Rosneft assesses impacts but leverages options like Gdansk (1.2 million tons/year) and Rostock to cover over 80% needs.

Poland committed to boosting Gdansk supplies if needed, per past assurances during 2024 nationalization talks. Economy Ministry noted the shortfall won’t jeopardize Germany’s mineral oil security, though Schwedt may run at reduced capacity.

Discussions focus on short-term volumes via Polish systems, building on 2022-2023 deals replacing Russian crude post-Ukraine invasion. Reiche emphasized planning to maintain output despite the halt.

The Druzhba northern branch historically fed Schwedt from Kazakhstan post-2022 sanctions, but Russia’s decision exposes transit vulnerabilities.

TechnicalStoppage | Business Upturn

Germany in emergency talks with Poland over Schwedt oil crisis after Russia cuts Druzhba flow