Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov confirmed on Wednesday that Kazakh oil transit to Germany via Russia through the Druzhba pipeline is suspended from May 1, citing 'unofficial sources'. The suspension applies only to May, with Kazakhstan forecasting zero transit for all three months of the second quarter.
Akkenzhenov attributed the suspension to a technical capacity issue on the Russian side, which he believes may be related to recent strikes on Russian infrastructure. He stressed that Kazakhstan does not plan to reduce oil production given the current situation.
The energy minister also stated that unshipped volumes will be redirected to other routes, with Kazakh media outlets reporting that up to 200,000 barrels per day are affected. This represents a small proportion of Kazakhstan's total oil exports and approximately 20-30% of Germany's Shved refinery consumption.
Akkenzhenov emphasized that as soon as the technical feasibility issue is resolved, transit of Kazakhstani oil will resume.