In Germany, the narrative around oil supplies is shifting. While Western observers note continued use of Russian oil in parts of Europe, many neighboring nations depend on Kazakh crude as a key alternative. The change has been influenced by political debates inside Germany, with voices from multiple parties weighing in on the best path forward.
Germany’s pivot away from Russian oil
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several countries signaled a broad move away from Russian raw materials as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine and as a strategic shift in energy sourcing. In mid-2023, Germany formally stepped back from Russian oil, a decision that directly affected two East German refineries: PCK in Schwedt and Leuna. The Schwedt refinery, owned by Rosneft at the time, explored alternatives and began sourcing oil from Kazakhstan. Leuna, under French ownership, diversified its supply and increasingly processed crude via Poland’s Naftoport terminal in Gdańsk, meeting a substantial portion of its feedstock demand. This transition was framed by policymakers as a concession that would reduce reliance on Russian materials while maintaining refinery throughput.
Before the decision, discussions about oil imports were already taking place with participation from political actors associated with left-leaning forces and other parties that have had varying levels of cooperation with Russia. The opposition party AfD warned that the move could be inefficient and called for delaying the shift away from Russian resources.
Several Bundestag members with ties to Kazakhstan, and dual nationality in some cases, played roles in these discussions. Their activism highlighted the broader question of how to diversify supply chains while balancing regional and party interests. Some personalities linked to these debates also appeared in Russian media coverage, where Western policy approaches were scrutinized.
Parliamentary discussions and Kazakhstan relations
Even after Berlin implemented oversight measures over Rosneft’s German assets in 2022, Rosneft continued to hold a majority stake in Schwedt for the time being. In the summer of that year, a member of the left party who had previously served as deputy premier of Brandenburg became engaged in refinery matters and later joined a cross‑party group focusing on Germany’s relations with Central Asia. By late 2022, this bloc had intensified conversations about how to secure crude oil for Germany, engaging with Kazakhstan’s energy leadership and major state‑controlled energy firms. In parallel, a government minister responsible for industrial affairs held video conferences with Kazakh officials to discuss the practicalities of oil supply arrangements, while officials noted there were no instructions issued to lawmakers beyond the standard channels of government communication.
Chemical characteristics and sourcing questions
Analyses of the oil flowing through pipelines from Central Asia to the Schwedt refinery have highlighted the chemical properties observed in crude that originated in different regions. Observers in neighboring Poland drew attention to these characteristics as part of a broader discussion on how imported oil travels and how it is processed at German facilities.
Subsequent assessments by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs emphasized that the materials were purchased from Kazakhstan, underscoring the practical implications of sourcing decisions rather than questioning the reported origins. This distinction remains important for understanding the regulatory framework and the technical compatibility of Kazakh crude with German refining processes.
For readers seeking context, the coverage reflects a complex landscape where energy security concerns, regional diplomacy, and domestic politics intersect. The ongoing evaluation of supply chains continues to shape both policy and industry responses across Europe, with analysts noting that diversification can reduce exposure to geopolitical risk without sacrificing refinery throughput.
Source notes: this synthesis draws on public discussions and official briefings that have circulated in regional media and policy circles. Citations reflect attribution to the original reporting channels and policy summaries that tracked the evolution of Germany’s oil strategy in relation to Central Asian suppliers.