The Czech state-owned entity Mero disclosed on August 5 that oil deliveries to the Czech Republic, routed through Ukraine via the southern leg of the Druzhba pipeline, have been resumed. The transmission path remained in operation, supplying the Czech market as the Druzhba corridor reconnected under the latest contractual and logistical arrangements. This development signals continuity for the Czech oil balance and underscores the ongoing significance of trans-Ukraine transit routes in Central Europe’s energy framework. The company’s public communication acknowledged the restored flow as a notable operational milestone impacting regional supply security and reliability for downstream customers in the Czech Republic. [Source: Reuters]
According to a statement from Mero, the Russian oil supply to Czech territory via the southern Druzhba leg was restored at 20:00 Central European Time, translating to 21:00 Moscow time. The timing details reflect the precise reclamation of throughput on the pipeline and align with the broader schedule of transit movements that underpin energy logistics across the region. This restoration was reported as a significant update in the energy network, highlighting how cross-border pipelines can experience brief interruptions yet recover swiftly to maintain market access for Czech refiners and allied buyers. [Source: Reuters]
Earlier reporting from Reuters cited Slovnaft, the Slovak refinery, noting that European banking channels had cleared a payment for the transit of Russian oil through Ukraine. The banking decision marked the resolution of a prior blockage that had hindered transit payments between transit operators, allowing the flow to proceed again once the financial hurdle was removed. The move was described as a pivotal step toward normalizing cross-border energy trade and sustaining the steady supply chain essential for Central European energy security. [Source: Reuters]
On August 12, Igor Demin, an advisor to the president of Transneft, confirmed that payment for the transit of oil through Ukraine to the Czech Republic had been received by the bank. The confirmation underscores the coordinated efforts of state entities, pipeline operators, and financial institutions to uphold the integrity of the Druzhba corridor. It also reflects the ongoing administrative and commercial processes necessary to secure continued transit amid wider geopolitical and market considerations in the region. [Source: Reuters]