Czechia not opposing request for longer exemption from ban on Russian oil, says PM Fiala

Czechia has not opposed Slovakia and Poland's request for a six-month extension of the EU exemption from the ban on Russian oil imports, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after a meeting of top Czech officials in Prague on Thursday. EU representatives agreed on Wednesday to include the extension in the 15th sanctions package against Russia. Fiala emphasized that the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) will be fully operational next year, helping Czechia reduce its reliance on Russian oil.

The exemption, which expired on December 5, was not part of the initial proposal but was initiated by Slovakia. Last week, oil supplies from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline were interrupted for two days but were restored on Friday. During that period, Czechia relied solely on the western route. Czechia's oil comes from two main sources: the Russian Druzhba pipeline, which provided 58% of supplies last year, and the German IKL pipeline, connected to the TAL pipeline in Italy.