Kazakhstan suspends oil transit to Germany via Russia amid pipeline issues

Kazakhstan has confirmed the suspension of its oil transit to Germany through the Druzhba pipeline via Russia starting May 1, 2026.

The decision was announced by Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, citing technical capacity issues on the Russian side.

The suspension affects the transit of Kazakh oil through the Adral Samara section of the Druzhba pipeline to the German Shved refinery.

According to unofficial sources referenced by the minister, Russia currently lacks the technical capacity to pump Kazakhstani oil, likely due to recent strikes on Russian infrastructure.

Kazakhstan exports up to 200,000 barrels per day to Germany via this route, which accounts for approximately 20-30% of the Shved refinery's consumption.

The suspension is initially set for the month of May but may extend throughout the second quarter, as Russia has reportedly indicated zero transit capacity for the entire period.

The Kazakh Energy Ministry has stated that unshipped oil volumes will be redirected to alternative routes.

Despite the transit disruption, Kazakhstan does not plan to reduce its oil production.

This development represents a significant disruption in European oil supply chains, given the importance of the Druzhba pipeline for delivering Kazakh oil to German refineries.

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