Oil & Gas

The Czech Republic has successfully reduced its dependence on Russian oil and gas, with imports via pipeline now virtually eliminated, according to Vaclav Bartuska, the country’s special envoy for energy security. Since the beginning of 2024, Czechia has stopped importing Russian natural gas through pipelines, and by mid-year, oil imports via pipeline will also cease. This strategic shift has been in the making for decades, with contracts for Norwegian and Algerian gas diversifying supply routes. Additionally, Czechia has secured liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity in Rotterdam and increased its gas storage facilities to ensure energy security, meeting European Union (EU) mandates.

Despite this progress, criticism has emerged regarding the country’s continued spending on Russian energy imports, particularly after the invasion of Ukraine. The AMO think tank in Prague reports that Czechia has spent over 7 billion euros on Russian oil and gas since February 2022—more than five times the amount it has provided in aid to Ukraine. Analysts argue that while the Czech government has prioritized independence from Russian energy, private sector contracts have allowed Russian imports to persist. Bartuska, however, maintains that in the absence of EU-wide sanctions on all Russian gas, the government has limited influence over commercial agreements.

On the oil front, Czechia is finalizing its transition away from Russian crude, with the expanded capacity of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) set to meet its needs entirely. The country's main refinery in Litvinov, owned by Poland’s PKN Orlen, will stop importing Russian oil by July 1. Unlike Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to seek exemptions from EU oil sanctions, Czechia has stated it does not require any such leeway. Critics suggest the government should move even faster by invoking force majeure to terminate Russian oil imports immediately, but Bartuska argues that an orderly transition ensures stability in the energy market.

Looking ahead, Bartuska anticipates increased pressure from the United States under President Donald Trump to further reduce European reliance on Russian energy. Having observed Trump's approach during his first term, Bartuska believes this pressure will intensify, particularly to boost U.S. oil and gas sales to Europe. Domestically, even if the Czech political landscape shifts in upcoming elections, he does not foresee a reversal of the country’s energy policies. Regardless of leadership changes, he emphasizes that Czechia remains committed to preventing future dependence on Russian energy and avoiding geopolitical vulnerabilities tied to its supply.