News: The stoppage of Russian oil supplies to Europe through the Druzhba pipeline has caused a geopolitical clash, delaying new European Union sanctions on Russia and important aid for Ukraine.
About Druzhba Oil Pipeline
- Druzhba oil pipeline is one of the longest and largest oil pipeline networks in the world.
- It is also known as “Friendship Pipeline”.
- It is a major Soviet-era oil pipeline transporting Russian crude oil to Central Europe.
- It passes through Belarus and Ukraine before reaching Central Europe.
- It links West Siberian oil fields to European refineries.
- It was opened in 1964.
- It splits into two main branches:
- Northern branch: Supplies Poland and Germany
- Southern branch: Supplies Slovakia, Hungary, and Czech Republic
- Total length: Around 5500 km (including all its branches)
- Capacity: It has a capacity of over 2 million barrels of oil per day.
- Significance: It is an important geopolitical asset that reflects Russia’s influence over Europe’s energy supplies and its regional influence.
