Kazakhstan’s leadership has signaled a clear intention to bolster oil deliveries to Europe, specifically Germany, through the Druzhba pipeline. This was highlighted by the Kazakh president during a regional forum, emphasizing concrete steps already taken since the start of the year. Kazakhstan began moving crude through Druzhba to German markets, with current shipments totaling about 90 thousand tons, according to a report that summarized public statements from the leadership and regional energy officials.
Beyond these initial shipments, the Kazakh authorities outlined a robust potential to expand exports via Druzhba. Officials have indicated capacity to raise annual volumes to as much as 1.2 million tons and to push this higher as market conditions permit and infrastructure permits are secured. The national energy strategy remains oriented toward increasing flexibility and resilience in crude supply to European refineries that seek stable access to diverse upstream sources.
Historical context matters here. In early 2023, deliveries to European Union markets showed a notable shift as Kazakhstan’s exports to the bloc rose significantly. Updates from European and international energy coverage noted that EU-bound shipments in January through March accounted for a substantial share of Kazakhstan’s total fuel exports—surpassing the year-ago period. The timing aligned with a broader European effort to reduce dependency on Russian energy, a move that gained momentum following policy actions implemented later in the preceding year. In this environment, Kazakh crude emerged as an important alternative feedstock for European refiners seeking to diversify their supply chains and maintain operations amid shifts in trade flows.
Industry observers point to a combination of factors underpinning Kazakhstan’s potential expansion. These include improvements in transport logistics along the Druzhba corridor, ongoing investments in upstream capacity, and the strategic positioning of Kazakh crude varieties that align with European refinery configurations. Analysts emphasize that any further upswing would depend on treaty or contract terms, transit reliability, and the broader political and economic climate affecting cross-border energy trade. The situation illustrates how the Druzhba route can play a meaningful role in Europe’s energy diversification strategy while offering Kazakhstan new avenues for revenue and regional influence.