Czechia fully independent from Russian oil for the first time in history

Czechia has achieved full independence from Russian oil supplies after more than 60 years, thanks to the completion of the expansion of the western TAL pipeline. Increased shipments of non-Russian crude have started flowing from the Italian port of Trieste to the Central Oil Storage Facility in Nelahozeves, from where they will supply the Litvínov refinery. Prime Minister Petr Fiala hailed the move as a significant step toward energy independence. Jaroslav Pantůček, CEO of MERO ČR, confirmed that the expanded TAL pipeline can now fully meet Czech refineries' annual demand of up to eight million tons of oil.