The BRICS TimesKazakhstan is scrambling to keep its oil flowing to Germany after Russia pulled the plug on Kazakh crude transit through the Druzhba pipeline by quickly rerouting shipments through two alternate channels.
A Sudden Disruption Forces a Quick Pivot
Kazakhstan found itself in a tight spot when Russia announced it would halt Kazakh oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1. The Druzhba pipeline one of the world’s longest has long served as a key corridor for Central Asian crude reaching Eastern Europe. Now, with that route suspended, Kazakhstan had to act fast to protect its oil export commitments to Germany.
The country’s energy ministry wasted no time. It announced a swift reallocation of crude shipments ensuring Germany’s supply chain stays intact without missing a beat on annual production targets.
Two New Routes Step In
Kazakhstan’s energy ministry confirmed that 100,000 metric tons of crude will now move through Ust-Luga a Baltic Sea port located in northwestern Russia. That port, however, has not had a quiet few weeks. Ukraine has repeatedly attacked the Ust-Luga oil export hub in recent weeks, triggering several temporary shutdowns and raising concerns about reliability.
The remaining 160,000 metric tons will travel through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium widely known as the CPC. The CPC is a major joint venture with energy giants Chevron and ExxonMobil among its shareholders. The pipeline runs through southern Russia and already handles around 80% of Kazakhstan’s total oil exports, making it the country’s most critical crude corridor.
Germany Supply Stays Intact
Kazakhstan has been supplying oil to Germany through the CPC pipeline system since 2023. Last year alone, the country delivered 2.1 million metric tons of crude to the PCK Schwedt refinery a major processing facility located in eastern Germany. The refinery plays a critical role in fueling Germany’s energy needs, particularly in its eastern regions.
Kazakhstan’s energy ministry stressed that despite the route changes, annual oil production targets would remain unaffected offering reassurance to both markets and trading partners.
