Russia to halt Kazakh oil flows to Germany via Druzhba

Russia is set to stop oil exports from Kazakhstan to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting from May 1, according to industry sources. The adjusted exporting schedule has reportedly been sent to both nations, signaling a significant disruption in energy transit amid frayed relations over the conflict in Ukraine. Berlin's support for Kyiv and its 2022 decision to place the local units of ROSNEFT OIL CO PJSC under trusteeship have fundamentally altered the energy ties between the two countries. Kazakhstan's oil exports to Germany via the northern spur of the Druzhba pipeline, which traverses Poland, reached 2.146 million metric tons in 2025, a 44% increase compared to the previous year. This route supplies the PCK refinery in Schwedt, which has relied on Kazakh crude since the cessation of Russian deliveries. However, the pipeline has faced repeated interruptions due to drone attacks within Russian territory. While the Russian energy ministry has not commented, the potential halt is being closely watched by markets, as supply risks often impact global benchmarks like Brent Crude Oil and West Texas Oil.