The country’s dependence on Russian oil increased from 40% in 2023 to 60% by 2024.
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, or CREA, has revealed that the Czech Republic spent five times as much on Russian oil and natural gas than on aid for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full scale invasion.
According to a research released on October 14, 2024, the Czech Republic sent EUR7 billion via fossil fuel purchases to the Kremlin, compared with EUR1.29 billion in aid provided to Ukraine since the invasion started.
The report shows how the Czech Republic exploits an exemption from EU‘s ban on Russian Oil Imports, which was meant to give member states more time in order to reduce their dependence on Russian Oil. The research shows, however, that Russian oil purchases are barely different.
The report stated that
“Pipeline Oil Exports Contributed EUR2.5 Billion to Russian export revenue in the first half 2024 alone. Around one fifth of that came from the Czech Republic.”
The study shows that the Czech government hasn’t done enough to phase-out Russian energy imports. In 2022, Russian crude oil accounted 56% of total oil imports. This figure grew to 60% in 2023, and only returned to pre-invasion levels (49%) by the first quarter 2024.
In the first half 2024, the Czech Republic imported 1.2 millions tonnes of Russian pipeline crude oil, worth EUR542million. This is in line with the average imports prior to the invasion of 2021, which were EUR574 millions.
The report notes that although monthly average imports from Russia of crude oil dropped by 46% during the first half 2024, compared to the same time period last year. This decrease was not due Czech efforts to reduce their dependence on Russian crude. The report attributed the decrease to two unexplained interruptions in Russian oil supply via Druzhba Pipeline during the second quarter.
The research also revealed Czechia‘s capability to maintain a normal oil supply for consumers, even when import volumes drop. The refineries of the country were able to get a variety of alternatives without causing an increase in domestic petroleum prices.
The report recommends removing any EU oil sanctions loopholes and phasing-out all Russian oil imports before the end of 2024. It also recommends legislating to maximize imports via non Russian IKL and TAL pipes. The report calls for immediate action to reduce the Czech Republic’s dependency on Russian energy imports.
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