Three leading German media outlets – DIE WELT, ZEIT ONLINE, and stern.de – in uniform articles published this morning express deep concern about the future of the PCK refinery in Schwedt. The key agreement for its operation regarding crude oil supplies via pipeline is uncertain, casting doubt on the continuity of the plant's operations. The refinery, crucial for fuel supply in northeastern Germany, particularly the state of Brandenburg, has been facing challenges related to being cut off from Russian oil since the start of the war in Ukraine. The lack of a final agreement could lead to serious disruptions in the fuel supply chain and price increases for consumers.
Uncertainty Regarding Pipeline Agreement
German media indicate that a key agreement regarding crude oil supplies to the PCK refinery via pipeline is not yet settled. The lack of finalization of this agreement poses a direct threat to the operation of the plant, which supplies fuel to a significant part of the country.
Strategic Importance of the Refinery
The PCK refinery in Schwedt is crucial for Germany's energy security, particularly in the northeastern regions. Its potential operational problems could translate into real fuel shortages at gas stations and further price increases.
Consequences of the War in Ukraine
The current crisis is a direct consequence of Germany being cut off from Russian crude oil after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The PCK refinery, historically dependent on Russian supplies, has been undergoing a process of diversification and switching to alternative supply sources for over two years.
Three leading German newspapers – DIE WELT, ZEIT ONLINE, and stern.de – in nearly identical reports from February 28, 2026, are sounding the alarm about a serious threat to the future of the PCK refinery in Schwedt. At the heart of the concerns is the uncertain fate of a key agreement regarding crude oil supplies via pipeline, which is essential for maintaining the plant's production. The PCK refinery in Schwedt, one of the largest of its kind in Germany, has for decades been a pillar of fuel supply for Berlin and Brandenburg. Its operations were historically strongly linked to the Russian oil company Rosneft, which was the main shareholder and supplier of raw materials via the Druzhba pipeline. After the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022, Germany decided to gradually move away from Russian energy resources, which posed enormous logistical and technological challenges for the refinery related to switching to supplies by sea. According to the uniform media reports, the lack of a final guarantee of raw material supply via pipeline calls into question the continued operation of the facility. This situation has a direct economic and social dimension, as the PCK refinery accounts for a significant portion of fuel production in Germany. Any potential reduction or stoppage of its production would threaten real shortages at gas stations, especially in the northeastern part of the country, and further price increases for end consumers. This problem extends beyond the local dimension, impacting nationwide energy security at a time when Europe is still grappling with the consequences of breaking dependence on Russian resources. Additional context is provided by the fact that the refinery has undergone significant ownership and operational transformations in recent years. After sanctions were imposed on Rosneft, the plant was taken over by the German government and then partially privatized. Maintaining its profitability and efficiency under the new conditions, with supplies by sea which are more expensive and logistically complex than pipeline transmission, remains a continuous challenge. Reports from the German press suggest that the uncertainty surrounding the key agreement may be a symptom of broader difficulties in maintaining a stable business model for the refinery in the long term. The political perspective on energy in Germany often divides commentators.