Kazakhstan set to boost oil supplies to Germany via Druzhba pipeline

Kazakhstan is prepared to increase its oil shipments to Germany through the Druzhba pipeline, with specific details to be determined based on requests from the refinery in Schwedt.

This announcement was made by Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy, Almasadam Satkaliev, during a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“The extent of the increase will largely depend on the requests from the Schwedt plant in Germany and our ability to facilitate transit through Russia,” Satkaliev explained. “We are ready to enhance our oil supply volumes from Kazakhstan, and there are suppliers interested in delivering oil in this direction. We will collaborate with all involved parties.”

Currently, Kazakhstan aims to maintain its oil supply to Germany at 1.2 million tons for 2025, the same level as planned for 2024. “We have received indications from Germany regarding a desire to increase these volumes. However, specific amounts will only be established after we receive applications from producers,” the minister noted.

Earlier reports indicated that Kaztransoil, the operator, plans to deliver up to 1.2 million tons of Kazakh oil through the Transneft pipeline system to Germany in 2024, compared to 993,000 tons in 2023.

In March 2024, Satkaliev mentioned that there was a request from German companies to elevate oil supplies through Druzhba to 2 million tons, and discussions on this matter are ongoing.

Additionally, Satkaliev stated that maintenance work at the Kashagan field has been completed ahead of schedule, with full operations expected to resume on November 1.

Kazakhstan had initially projected an oil production target of 90.3 million tons for the year, but this estimate has been revised due to repair work and other factors.

Italian energy company Eni has also expanded its footprint in the European market by commencing oil shipments from Kazakhstan to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during his recent visit to Kazakhstan, expressed appreciation for the supply of Kazakh oil, highlighting its significance in ensuring Germany's energy security.

By Tamilla Hasanova