April 22, 2026, 10:06 GMT
Russia is preparing to suspend the transit of Kazakhstan’s crude oil to Germany through the Druzhba pipeline, a move that underscores Moscow’s tightening grip on energy flows to Europe. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the halt could begin as early as May, disrupting supplies that Germany has relied on since cutting direct imports of Russian oil in 2023. The decision highlights Russia’s leverage over transit routes and its ability to pressure European economies even without direct exports. Kazakhstan’s oil, routed through Russia’s pipeline network, has been a crucial substitute for German refiners, and the suspension threatens to reignite energy security concerns across the EU. Analysts warn that the move could strain Berlin’s diversification strategy, forcing Germany to seek alternative supplies from seaborne routes or expand reliance on other partners, while also testing Kazakhstan’s balancing act between Moscow and Western markets.
(Source – Reuters)
—Agencies
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