Germany took control of a major Russian oil refinery on Friday, and Berlin risks retaliation from Moscow as it struggles to bolster its energy supply and meet the European Union’s commitment to eliminate Russian oil imports by year’s end.
Germany’s Ministry of Economy said it has put a unit of Russian oil company Rosneft under the umbrella of the industry regulator and taken over the Schwedt refinery, which supplies 90% of Berlin’s fuel.
In a statement made by the ministry, “The threat to the security of energy supply was met with tutelage and an important milestone was laid for the protection and future of Schwedt.” it was said.
As sanctions against their main supplier, Russia, increase over the invasion of Ukraine, governments across Europe are racing to support energy suppliers and secure fuel supplies.
Rosneft Deutschland, which is mostly owned by the Russian oil group and accounts for about 12% of German oil processing capacity, is placed under the umbrella of the regulatory Federal Network Agency.
The organizer said the original owner no longer has the authority to issue instructions.
Rosneft Deutschland and Rosneft did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Shell, which owns a 37.5% stake in Schwedt, had been wanting to sell it for a while. Shell said on Friday it was “not impressed” by Germany’s decision to take control of the refinery.
The Schwedt refinery has been a dilemma for Berlin for several weeks, as it buys all of its crude oil from Russia. But Germany is determined to eliminate Russian oil imports by the end of the year.
But by taking over Schwedt, he risks taking retaliatory measures from Moscow.
The German Ministry of Economy said Friday’s move includes a package to ensure the refinery can take oil from alternative routes without giving details.
source: Noticias
