Germany’s goal: to become independent of Russian oil by the end of the year

In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, German Minister of Economy and Climate Protection Robert Habeck stated that the German government is working hard to eliminate dependence on Russia in energy.

Stating that they aim to become independent from Russian oil by the end of this year, Habeck said, “We say goodbye to imports from Russia every day, even every hour. We plan to give up Russian coal completely until autumn. We can become almost independent of Russian oil by the end of the year. But the hardest thing is rejecting Russian gas.” said.

“We will expand LNG import options in the short term and hydrogen import options in the medium term”

Robert Habeck stated that he is against a total ban on energy imports from Russia by the European Union, which will lead to a shortage of supply next winter and increase inflation.

Stating that he will visit countries producing LNG and hydrogen, especially important liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters Norway and Qatar, Habeck stated that they will expand their LNG import options in the short term and hydrogen import options in the medium term.

Germany buys 55 percent of natural gas from Russia

Two LNG terminals to be built in Germany to reduce dependency on Russian natural gas are expected to be operational within 2 years. Terminals will be built in the cities of Brunsbüttel and Wilhelmshaven.

Germany gets 55 percent of its natural gas, 35 percent of its crude oil and 45 percent of its coal from Russia.

According to the data of the German Ministry of Economy and Climate Protection, since Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukraine’s autonomous administration of Crimea (2014), Germany imported 170 billion euros of energy (natural gas, coal and oil) from Russia.

Russia has faced a heavy wave of sanctions for its military intervention in Ukraine. Western countries have put into effect a large number of sanctions, especially in the field of finance, in order to make Russia pay heavy economic costs. Because of these sanctions, it has become increasingly difficult for Western companies to operate in Russia.

The United States and Britain announced on March 8 that they would stop oil imports from Russia.