Leak detected on Poland's Druzhba oil pipeline
Illustrative photo: A leak occurred on the Druzhba oil pipeline (tvpworld.com)
A leak recently occurred on the Druzhba oil pipeline near Pniewy in western Poland. The pipeline has been shut down for repairs, the pipeline operator PERN reports.
According to the operator's press service, oil transport was immediately halted on the damaged section, and the flow was redirected through an alternate pipeline route.
Emergency services from PERN and the State Fire Service headed to the site. The area was secured, and prompt authorization was given to start repair works for safe continuation.
The pipeline operator PERN noted that the cause of the leak is unknown, and an internal commission will investigate it. The affected section was supplying oil to a refinery in Germany.
Importance of Druzhba oil pipeline
The Druzhba pipeline is significant due to its scale and its role in European energy security. In particular, Druzhba provided transportation of large volumes of Russian oil to European countries. This system is the main source of oil supply for several countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Poland, and Germany.
Russia has also used the pipeline as a political tool in its dealings with the EU, Ukraine, and Belarus.
However, due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and EU sanctions, the Druzhba pipeline's significance has diminished. Despite this, it remains critical for some countries, such as Hungary.
For more details about oil transit, check out our article on the topic.
