Druzhba's lasting impact
Oil contamination on a key Russian export pipeline that shocked the markets may echo long after the fuel has been cleaned up
The pollution of the Druzhba pipeline with organic chloride may impact future consumer demand for Urals blend, while Russia's image damage and reputation risk could also be reflected in a price discount, according to industry analysts. The crisis began on 19 April, when oil contaminated with highly corrosive organic chloride reached Belarus through the Druzhba pipeline, causing an equipment failure at the Belarusian Mozyr refinery. Diluting the ‘dirty oil' with other grades supplied to the plant by rail was unsuccessful. Ukraine and Poland, the Druzhba system's other transit countries to Europe, stopped receiving oil on 24 and 25 April. Built in the 1960s, Druzhba (or Friendship) is one of t
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
