he was referring specifically to Germany.
Germany relies heavily on oil imports, as it produces very little domestically. About 98% of its oil needs come from abroad, with sources diversifying significantly after the 2022 reduction in Russian supplies due to geopolitical tensions.
Main Import Sources (Recent Data)
Germany's crude oil imports have shifted post-Russia embargo. Here's a breakdown from available 2021-2023 figures, noting ongoing changes amid global events like the Iran tensions in 2026.Year| Top Suppliers (% of Crude Oil Imports)| Notes
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2021| Russia (34.1%), USA (12.5%), Kazakhstan (9.8%), Norway (9.6%)| Pre- Ukraine war peak for Russia 1
2022| Russia (25.4%), USA (13.7%), others from 31 countries| EU embargo phased in late 2022 7
2023+| Norway, USA, Kazakhstan, Norway leading; no Russia| Diversified via pipelines/seaports; 88M tonnes imported in 2022 7
Russia's share dropped to zero by early 2023 after EU bans on crude and refined products.
Import Infrastructure
Oil enters via four key seaports and cross-border pipelines from Russia (pre- ban), Netherlands, France, and Italy. No domestic production covers needs—output was just 1.7M tonnes in 2022 vs. 88M tonnes imported.- Pipelines : Handle former USSR, European flows (e.g., Netherlands/Belgium/UK at 95% of some OECD imports).
- Seaports : Major hubs for global tankers.
- Trends : Push for LNG/security post-2022; imports hit 63.7% of total energy in 2021.
Geopolitical Shifts & 2026 Context
Post-Ukraine invasion, Germany ended Russian dependence, boosting Norway/USA/Kazakhstan. Recent Iran war news (March 2026) highlights risks—Middle East supplied ~6% recently, with Hormuz concerns potentially spiking prices despite alternatives.Multiple viewpoints: Energy security improved via diversification, but experts warn of volatility from Middle East (6%+ share growing). Domestic output can't scale—reserves cover <1% needs.
Economic Impact
Oil powers heavy industry; prices directly hit economy. 2023 gas import drop (32%) showed savings/export cuts help, but oil remains ~96-98% imported.TL;DR : Primarily Norway, USA, Kazakhstan now; Russia phased out. Vulnerable to Mideast disruptions in 2026.
