Contaminated Oil in Druzhba Pipeline Causes Supply Headache in Russia, Europe, an Industrial Info Market Brief

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Contaminated oil found in the world's longest oil pipeline has sparked consternation in Russia and Europe. Supplies from the 4,000-kilometer Russia-to-Europe Druzhba Pipeline, which can carry more than 1 million barrels of oil per day, were halted last week after it was found to contain contaminated crude. Pipeline authorities have said the full restoration of pipeline operations may not occur until mid-May. However, Belarus, where the contaminated oil was found, has said months of work will be needed to restore uncontaminated oil supplies via the pipeline, according to news reports.

For now, refineries along the pipeline route are using their stored crude oil and are working to activate alternative supply routes or state's strategic reserves, but if the shutdown continues for much longer, there could be a potential impact on production by those refineries. IIR Energy is continually monitoring the crude runs at these refineries for any rate cuts or outages.

Industrial Info's plant database includes information on 22 refineries, with 130 functional contacts in Eastern Europe. Click here for the list of plants.

Crude oil in the pipeline was found to be contaminated with organic chlorides, which can damage refineries. Russian oil company Transneft has accused a private firm in the Russian region of Samara of deliberately contaminating the oil, according to Reuters.

Click on the map below of the Druzhba Pipeline for a larger view.