Moscow: Russia plans to reroute oil supplies from Kazakhstan, originally destined for the Druzhba pipeline, to alternative logistics routes, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. This decision will take effect on May 1, according to Novak, who addressed the media on Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, Novak explained that the redirection is necessitated by "current technical capabilities." The Ministry of Energy and Transneft, the Moscow-based state oil pipeline company, are managing the logistical adjustments required for this shift.

Novak's announcement coincided with comments from Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, who informed Russian state media that Kazakhstan had received unofficial reports regarding the impending restriction of its oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline in May. Akkenzhenov shared with the Tass news agency that Kazakhstan has been informed of zero transit through the Atyrau-Samara route towards the Druzhba pipeline and subsequently to the Schwedt plant for the upcoming month.

Akkenzhenov highlighted that, according to unofficial sources, the Russian side has cited a "technical capability" issue, likely stemming from the recent attacks on Russian infrastructure. In response, Kazakhstan is preparing to redirect its oil supply to alternative destinations.