Germany Is Trying to Pivot From Russian Oil. It’ll Struggle
The country depends on imports of Russian crude and diesel. Even if it can find alternatives, the logistics will be a challenge.
Expect more of these on Germany’s railways.
Photographer: Krisztian BocsiOn Friday, Germany announced plans to switch away from Russian oil. It’s a laudable goal, but the logistics of doing so present an immense hurdle.
With (almost) no oil production of its own, Germany depends on imports. Those come in two forms — crude oil for processing in the country’s refineries and finished products such as the diesel fuel that powers German industry and freight transport. Russia holds a big slice of the pie of Germany’s imports, sending in almost 550,000 barrels of crude and 100,000 barrels of diesel each day. Pivoting away from these supplies will leave Germany with big holes to fill.