Oil supplies via the Russian Druzhba pipeline to the Czech Republic were resumed after a two-day break. The supply stoppage was not explained, but during this time the Czech Republic used oil supplied from other destinations, in particular from the German pipeline. This is reported by UNN with reference to the Czech media.
This pipeline is one of the main sources of oil for the Czech Republic. From Russia, the country receives about 58% of its oil through Druzhba, and the rest — through an oil pipeline coming from Germany and connecting with Italy.
Due to the fact that oil stopped, the Czech government prepared an action plan in advance: Orlen Unipetrol received 330,000 tons of oil from the country's reserves to prevent disruptions in fuel production. However, these reserves were ultimately not used up, as oil supplies were restored earlier than expected.
This case was an important signal for the Czech Republic to strengthen its energy security. The country plans to increase oil supplies through another pipeline, TAL, which will allow it to reduce its dependence on Russian oil. This is part of a strategy to reduce risks from supply disruptions and ensure the stability of energy supplies in the future.
The Czech government is also working to expand the TAL pipeline, which will increase its capacity by 4 million tons per year. According to the plans, by the middle of next year, the Czech Republic should fully receive oil through alternative sources, which will allow the country to gradually abandon Russian supplies.
What could be the reason for the oil supply shutdown
Special Commissioner of the Czech foreign ministry for energy security Vaclav Bartuszka said that Russia deliberately stopped oil supplies to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline on December 4.
According to Radio Prague International, Bartushka called this situation a "classic game" on the part of the Russian Federation, noting that oil supplies to Slovakia and Hungary continue unchanged.
Bartushka urged not to succumb to provocations, emphasizing that the Czech Republic has enough reserves and alternative Western supply routes.
"We don't see any point in discussing it with Russia," he concluded.
addition
The Druzhba oil pipeline has two main branches – northern and southern. The southern branch runs through the territory of Ukraine, providing oil transportation to Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
Due to Russian aggression and Europe's attempts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy carriers, the issue of using Druzhba has become one of the key issues in the region's energy policy.
The Czech Republic, like other countries receiving oil through this pipeline, is actively working to diversify supplies, but Druzhba remains an important element of their energy infrastructure.