Russian section of Druzhba pipeline operating as normal; Czech Republic says not receiving oil, could tap reserve

MOSCOW. Dec 4 (Interfax) - Oil supplies via the Russian section of the Druzhba pipeline are proceeding according to schedule, the press service of Transneft told Interfax after the Czech Republic's Mero pipeline operator said there were complications with oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline.

Czech Industry and Trade Minister Lukas Vlcek said on social media that oil was not currently being supplied to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline, but that supplies via the TAL pipeline were stable and there was no risk to oil supply for households and companies. "Czech refineries are well prepared for the situation and we have a substantial state reserve. However, we will react to the situation preventively, so I will suggest that the government approve the release of oil on credit from the state reserve to Unipetrol in the event supplies do not resume," the minister said.

"The Czech Republic's oil supplies are in no way at risk. The Czech Republic is prepared for these situations. In the event of a short-term supply disruption, there are strategic reserves of oil and petroleum products that would ensure the functioning of the country for 90 days. Supplies via the western route, namely via the TAL and IKL pipelines, are proceeding without issues," Mero said.

"All oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline through Russian territory are proceeding as planned," Transneft said.

The press service of Transpetrol, operator of Slovakia's section of the Druzhba oil pipeline, told Interfax that the company was transporting oil in accordance with confirmed nominations, and oil deliveries to the Slovak refinery continued as usual. "At the same time, our company is helping to resolve the problems of all its clients," Transpetrol said.

The Druzhba oil pipeline passes through Russian territory to Belarus, where it splits into the northern and southern branches. The southern branch goes to Ukraine and Slovakia, from where branches go to Hungary and the Czech Republic.