By Michael Sauerbier
Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (60, SPD) warns Economics Minister Robert Habeck (52, Greens) of the consequences of an oil embargo from Russia. But Habeck already has an emergency plan, explains his State Secretary Michael Kellner (45, Greens) in the BZ interview.
BZ: Mr. Kellner, Woidke warns of empty gas stations in the event of an oil embargo. However, the PCK boss does not assume a supply interruption. Who is right?
Michael Waiter: There’s no need to panic. The supply is secured and we are doing everything we can to ensure that it stays that way.
So where does the Schwedt refinery get the oil from?
Almost 60 percent come via pipeline from Rostock. Poland would be willing to help with additional quantities from Gdansk if Putin’s state-owned company Rosneft is no longer a PCK co-owner. There is also the national oil reserve.
Is that enough to supply Berlin and Brandenburg?
In Germany we have an overcapacity of petrol and diesel. That’s why we can also cover the entire East German region. But we should make full use of Schwedt as much as possible.
The oil refinery PCK in Schwedt Photo: picture alliance/dpa
Woidke only wants an oil embargo when PCK can continue to work 100 percent. Why?
We have seen that in the past Brandenburg was very close to Putin’s policy on a number of issues – against the Crimea sanctions and for the sale of PCK to Rosneft. I expect that the Potsdam government will also support the federal government’s Ukraine course.
In Schwedt, Robert Habeck promised to secure fuel supplies, jobs and the future of the refinery. Brandenburg demands written guarantees. When will you answer Potsdam’s questions about ship charter, pipeline rights and change of shareholders?
Our statements stand. Nothing can be taken back from that. But there are national security issues that can only be discussed in private.
What if Putin turns off the oil tap first?
We are prepared. Then ships fetch oil from the national reserve in Wilhelmshaven. And with the local reserves in Schwedt, we could manage that without interrupting production.
