US sanctions endanger Berlin's petrol source: what now for Schwedt?

US sanctions endanger Berlin's petrol source: what now for Schwedt?

A major crisis is looming in the small town of Schwedt, which appears tranquil with around 30,000 inhabitants. The PCK refinery, a key lifeline for Berlin's fuel supply, faces an uncertain future due to new US sanctions against Russia. Business punk reports that the refinery, which is managed by the German trust and is majority owned by the Russian company Rosneft, may be forced into a shutdown, which would have dramatic consequences for the capital's gasoline supply.

Although the current US sanctions are not directly aimed at Rosneft's trust companies in Germany, fears persist that the refinery could get into serious trouble without an exception to the restrictions. The Federal Ministry of Economics is already in contact with the responsible authorities in Washington in order to maintain the operational situation, reports rbb24.

The refinery in crisis

The federal government has had control of the refinery since 2022 and is responsible for ensuring operational management. The PCK refinery supplies around 95% of the capital with gasoline, diesel, heating oil and kerosene. Schwedt's economic survival depends largely on this facility. Works council chairman Dany Ruthenburg warns: "We need support - the first companies are withdrawing to protect themselves from the sanctions. This could bring our operations to a standstill."

The current situation is getting worse: The pipeline from Rostock to Schwedt is being expanded for 400 million euros in order to transport between 5 and 6.8 million tons of crude oil annually. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that economic decoupling from Russia is complicated by the trust structure. If the refinery finds itself in an emergency situation due to the sanctions, BER Airport could also get into trouble and have to request alternative kerosene deliveries.

Federal Government measures

The federal government has extended the employment guarantee until the end of 2025 in the hope of securing jobs at the refinery. However, no more money is currently flowing into Russia - an important signal from rbb24 is underlined. The trust management of Rosneft subsidiaries was last renewed in September 2025 to ensure better control.

However, the federal government faces further challenges. Entrepreneurs and investors have become increasingly concerned about their own commitments and fear that they are at risk due to the geopolitical situation. Industry insiders also agree: there could be a risk of a production stop if the political situation is not resolved quickly.

It remains to be seen whether a solution can be achieved with a good touch. But the talks between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer could contain the content of a possible exemption from US sanctions. For Schwedt and the PCK refinery, every hour is a test.