On Wednesday, oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline to the Czech Republic were halted. The cause remains unknown.

Czech Industry and Trade Minister Lukas Vlcek reassured the public, emphasizing that oil supplies are secure with 90 days of reserves. Mero, the pipeline operator, stated that alternative supply routes, including the TAL and IKL pipelines from Trieste, remain fully operational. Refinery operations, such as those of Orlen Unipetrol, are unaffected.

EU Exemption for Russian Oil Nears End

The suspension comes one day before the EU exemption allowing the Czech Republic to import Russian pipeline oil expires. Granted in 2022, the exemption gave the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia time to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

Prague has since expanded its Transalpine pipeline capacity to eight million metric tonnes annually, eliminating the need for Russian oil. The government confirmed it will not seek to extend the exemption.

Strengthening Independence and Supporting Ukraine

The Czech Republic continues to shift away from Russian energy while standing firmly with Ukraine. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized, “Peace and security in Europe depend on stopping Russian aggression.”

This strategic pivot reflects the nation’s commitment to energy security and regional stability.