European Chemical Industry News & Insights

ORLEN Secures Energy Independence, Ends Russian Oil Imports

At a glance
  • Since April 2023, ORLEN's Polish and Lithuanian refineries have used 100% non-Russian crude.
  • The final contract with Rosneft ended on 30 June 2025.
  • The Czech Republic's Litvínov refinery transitioned to alternative oil supplies in March 2025.
  • MERO expanded the Transalpine Pipeline to support non-Russian oil imports.

Transition to Non-Russian Oil

Since March 2025, ORLEN Group's refineries have exclusively processed crude oil from non-Russian sources. The final contract for Russian oil deliveries expired at the end of June 2025, marking a complete shift in ORLEN's supply chain. This transition enhances energy security for Poland and the wider region.

Infrastructure and Partnerships

Ending reliance on Russian energy was achieved through strategic partnerships, particularly with transmission system operators. These collaborations facilitated the import of oil and gas from alternative sources. The expansion of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL) was crucial, allowing crude deliveries by sea to the Italian port of Trieste, then overland through Austria and Germany.

Refinery Adaptations

ORLEN prepared its Litvínov refinery in the Czech Republic, historically dependent on Russian crude, for processing alternative oil grades. Extensive technological upgrades and testing of various crude blends were conducted. By March 2025, following the TAL Plus extension, the refinery fully transitioned to alternative supplies.

Impact of EU Sanctions

Following Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the Czech government sought a temporary exemption from EU sanctions to continue importing Russian crude, ensuring stable fuel supply. This exemption allowed time for infrastructure enhancements, particularly by the state-owned company MERO, responsible for the Czech Republic's pipeline infrastructure.

Global Sourcing

Today, ORLEN's refineries process crude from diverse regions, including the Middle East, Persian Gulf, North Sea, Africa, and both Americas. This diversification underscores a strategic move towards energy independence and security for Central and Eastern Europe.

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