Prague and Kyiv are in talks about potentially supplying Ukrainian oil to the Czech Republic. The Czech side hopes to start importing Ukrainian crude by the end of the year, with discussions reportedly involving Poland’s Orlen—owner of Czech refineries—and Ukrainian officials. Ukraine proposed this plan after Russian actions largely destroyed Ukraine’s oil refining capacity, leaving minimal domestic processing capability. Despite reduced refining, oil extraction remains essential since it is tightly linked to natural gas production, which is crucial for industry and heating, so production cannot be halted.
For Orlen, sourcing Ukrainian oil could offer both political support to Ukraine and economic benefits, as Ukrainian crude is allegedly cheaper than alternatives. The project has also received backing from pipeline operator Mero, which views it as an opportunity to reactivate the Czech segment of the Druzhba pipeline, idle since Prague ceased imports of Russian oil. Estimated volumes could reach about 75,000–100,000 tonnes per month, equating to roughly 15% of the Czech Republic’s annual oil consumption and up to 20% of the Litvínov refinery’s capacity. Additionally, Slovak pipeline company Transpetrol confirmed it had been consulted regarding potential transport arrangements.
The Ukrainian crude is similar in composition to Russian oil, which would simplify logistics. A Transpetrol spokesperson stated that intensive consultations are underway between Ukrainian pipelines and Orlen Unipetrol to manage the pipeline’s contents, noting that the Slovak section of Druzhba uses a Russian export blend and that the Czech side must separate flows technically and administratively to allow Transpetrol to transport Ukrainian crude through Slovakia to the Czech operator.
Ukrainian oil production remains significant, with Ukrnafta cited as Ukraine’s largest oil producer. The discussions involve balancing supply with ongoing energy needs, particularly since natural gas remains essential for industry and heating, making it impractical to halt output.
“Intensive consultations are underway between our company and Orlen Unipetrol RPA on a technical solution for managing the pipeline’s contents. Since the technological volume of the Slovak section of Druzhba is a Russian export blend, EU sanctions require the Czech side to find a way to technically and administratively separate the flows. This will allow Transpetrol to transport Ukrainian crude through Slovakia and hand it over to the Czech operator,” said Lucia Patznerová, a Transpetrol spokesperson.
In summary, the Czech Republic may begin importing Ukrainian crude by year-end, with potential monthly volumes of 75,000–100,000 tonnes (roughly 15% of annual consumption) and up to 20% of the Litvínov refinery’s capacity, contingent on technical and regulatory arrangements across Druzhba’s Slovak segment and related transit.
Author’s note: The current discussions reflect an evolving energy-transit strategy amid shifting supply routes and sanctions considerations, aiming to leverage Ukrainian crude to diversify sources while maintaining domestic energy needs.