Russia halts oil supplies to Czech Republic due to US sanctions – Reuters
Photo: mero.cz

The latest halt in Russian oil supplies to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline is linked to payment issues caused by U.S. sanctions against Russia that took effect on February 27, Reuters reported, citing informed sources.

Polish-owned Czech refineries under Orlen faced difficulties in processing payments to Rosneft, leading the Russian side to cancel March oil supply nominations.

Czech Industry Minister Lukas Vlcek confirmed on local television that the supply stoppage was due to payment issues, without mentioning sanctions.

The oil supply contract for Czech company Orlen Unipetrol is set to expire in mid-2025.

The Czech Republic plans to fully switch to the alternative TAL pipeline from July, marking the final end of Russian oil imports.

  • Since December 5, 2022, the European Union has imposed a partial embargo on Russian oil imports, excluding supplies via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
  • The Czech Republic aims to phase out Russian oil in 2025, while Hungary and Slovakia have not announced similar plans.
Czech RepublicDruzhba pipelineRussian oil