Brandenburg tensions rise over potential return of Russian oil
Dietmar Woidke, the Prime Minister of Brandenburg, would willingly see the return of Russian oil to the Schwedt refinery near the Polish border, provided there is peace in Ukraine.
Last week, the employees' council and supervisory board of the PCK refinery in Schwedt called for lifting the embargo on Russian oil. Their members sent a letter to the governments of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Saxony-Anhalt demanding lifting the embargo on Russian oil and gas.
They cite the company's difficult economic situation and the risk of job losses as reasons. The mayor of Schwedt on the Oder and one of the city councillors, among others, support these demands.
Return to "normal relations" with Russia
According to Rbb, Berlin and Brandenburg's regional broadcaster, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), the Prime Minister of Brandenburg, would welcome the return to Russian oil for the PCK refinery. He believes this could happen only after the end of the war in Ukraine.
As quoted by Rbb, Woidke emphasized the importance of securing a future for PCK and its significance for Brandenburg. He also expressed hope for a possible return to normal economic relations with Russia.
Who are the sanctions hurting more?
The Prime Minister of Brandenburg notes that the oil embargo was a decision made at the federal level and accompanied by sanctions at the EU level. It was intended to help persuade Russia to achieve peace in Ukraine. This goal has not yet been achieved, says Woidke. He adds that the German government should investigate whether "these sanctions are harming Germany—in this case, Schwedt—more than Russia."
According to Rbb, Brandenburg's Minister of Economy, Daniel Keller (SPD), it cannot be ruled out that Russian oil may once again flow to PCK. However, first, there must be peace in Ukraine.
Where does the oil for Schwedt come from?
The refinery in Schwedt supplies a large part of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and western Poland with petrol, heating oil, kerosene, and other products. Before the war in Ukraine, it processed only Russian oil supplied via the Druzhba pipeline. After the German government ceased using Russian oil, the PCK refinery in Schwedt switched to other supply sources. It is currently supplied with oil from Kazakhstan and through crude transports arriving at the port in Rostock, including from Norway or Libya. According to previous information from German media, the PCK refinery is utilising 80% of its capacity.
