Russia Supports Kazakhstan Oil Transit Through the Druzhba Pipeline to Germany
Russia has indicated its willingness to facilitate the transit of Kazakh oil to Germany using the Druzhba pipeline network. The statement came from Alexander Novak, deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, as reported by RIA News. Novak confirmed that the issue has been resolved and noted that he has not yet seen requests from Kazakhstan, but that Russia would back any future applications if they arise. The stance reflects a measured openness to increasing oil shipments along the Druzhba corridor, aligned with Russia’s broader approach to regional energy flows and market dynamics.
Novak emphasized that if Kazakhstan submits a formal request to expand transit volumes, Moscow would review it positively and provide support where appropriate. This position underscores Russia’s willingness to adapt to growing demand and to maintain reliable transit routes that can influence pricing, supply security, and regional energy cooperation. The comments suggest a practical framework in which Kazakh oil could utilize the existing Druzhba pipeline to reach German refining capacity and downstream markets.
On December 21, the Kazakh national energy company Kaimunagaz announced that a test delivery of oil to Schwedt, Germany, should take place soon. The plan involves Kazakh oil replacing some Russian fuel supplies to Germany, signaling a potential shift in supply sources for a key European refining hub. The development is being watched closely by industry observers who track how shifts in transit arrangements may affect contract terms, refinery operations, and regional energy security. The claim indicates a possible future scenario where Kazakh crude plays a larger role in European energy supply chains, subject to technical, regulatory, and commercial verification. The report was conveyed to readers through the agency that covered company statements and industry responses at the time of the announcement.
Earlier, Igor Demin, an adviser to the head of Transneft, indicated that Germany did not inform Russia about reserving Druzhba pipeline capacities for Kazakh crude while pursuing pumping arrangements. This clarification points to the sensitive nature of capacity planning and the complexity of coordinating cross-border oil movements within the Druzhba system. The situation highlights ongoing negotiations and the balancing act between pipeline capacity, contractual commitments, and the strategic interests of both producers and transit countries. Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring how such capacity reservations and negotiations could shape future throughput and pricing signals along the corridor.
Prior to these developments, Bolat Akçulakov, the energy minister of Kazakhstan, acknowledged the possibility of talks between Kazakh energy companies and German partners regarding oil deliveries to the Schwedt refinery. This openness signals a potential pathway for collaboration that could diversify supply routes and support economic ties between Kazakhstan, Russia, and Germany. Observers note that any agreement would need to consider refinery compatibility, pipeline capacity, and regulatory requirements across the involved nations, as well as the evolving European energy policy environment. The broader context includes the Druzhba pipeline’s long-standing role in facilitating crude shipments from multiple sources to Central and Western European markets, a dynamic shaped by market demand and geopolitical considerations. The conversations referenced here illustrate a continuing interest in aligning production, transit, and refining interests across the region, with Germany as a central market for many strategic discussions. The information above reflects publicly reported statements and industry analysis from reliable news agencies and market participants at the time of reporting, providing a lens into the ongoing realignment of energy flows in Eurasia and Europe. Attribution: RIA News and related industry reporting.