Czech Republic in talks to import Ukrainian crude

By the end of the year, the Czech Republic may begin importing Ukrainian crude oil, Czech media outlets Radiožurnál and iROZHLAS.cz reported, citing their own sources.

According to their information, the possibility of such purchases was discussed by Poland’s Orlen — the owner of Czech refineries — and representatives of Ukraine.

The sources said the initiative came from Ukraine. Almost all Ukrainian oil refineries have been destroyed by Russian strikes, leaving the country with virtually no capacity to process its own crude.

Production, however, cannot be halted, as crude extraction is technically linked to the production of natural gas needed for industry and heating.

For Orlen, buying Ukrainian crude would serve both as support for Ukraine and as a profitable opportunity, as its price is reportedly lower.

The project is also backed by pipeline operator Mero, which sees it as a chance to reactivate the Czech section of the Druzhba pipeline, idle since Prague stopped using Russian oil.

Sources estimate that the potential supply volumes would be significant: roughly 75,000–100,000 tonnes per month. This would represent almost 15% of the Czech Republic’s annual oil consumption (around 7 million tonnes) and up to 20% of the Litvínov refinery’s capacity.

Czech companies have not commented publicly. Orlen Unipetrol referred inquiries to Orlen’s headquarters in Poland, which declined to comment; Mero likewise refrained from making any statements.

However, the Slovak pipeline company Transpetrol confirmed it had been approached regarding possible transit.

Ukrainian crude is similar in composition to Russian oil, making the logistics relatively straightforward.

"Intensive consultations are underway between our company and Orlen Unipetrol RPA on a technical solution for managing the pipeline’s contents. Since the technological volume of the Slovak section of Druzhba is a Russian export blend, EU sanctions require the Czech side to find a way to technically and administratively separate the flows. This will allow Transpetrol to transport Ukrainian crude through Slovakia and hand it over to the Czech operator," said Lucia Patznerová, a Transpetrol spokesperson.

Ukrnafta is Ukraine’s largest oil producer.