Overview

• The Czech Republic is now fully independent of Russian oil, sourcing all supplies through the upgraded Transalpine (TAL) pipeline from the west.
• Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed the milestone, marking the end of nearly 60 years of reliance on Russia's Druzhba pipeline.
• Upgrades to the TAL pipeline, completed in late 2024, increased capacity to 8 million tonnes annually, meeting the country’s oil needs.
• Refiner Orlen Unipetrol has secured additional overseas crude shipments and is transitioning to full supply through TAL, ensuring smooth refinery operations.
• Pipeline operator MERO is keeping Druzhba operational for potential future flows, including possible routes from Ukraine's Odesa port.