where does germany get its oil
Germany gets almost all of its oil from imports, mainly from a diverse mix of non‑Russian suppliers since 2023.
Quick Scoop: Where does Germany get its oil?
- About 98% of the oil Germany uses is imported; domestic production is tiny and comes from a few dozen small onshore fields.
- In 2021 (pre‑Ukraine war), Russia was the largest crude supplier (about a third of imports), followed by the U.S., Kazakhstan and Norway.
- After the EU oil embargo and Germany’s pledge to stop Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline crude from Russia essentially stopped by early 2023.
- Today, Germany’s crude oil comes from a wide group of around 30+ countries, with higher shares from suppliers such as the U.S., Norway and other non‑Russian exporters compared with the pre‑2022 situation.
- Germany also imports large volumes of refined products (like diesel) from other EU and global refining hubs, not just crude.
How important are imports?
- Around 98% of Germany’s mineral oil consumption has to be imported; domestic output was only about 1.7 million tonnes in 2022.
- Total crude imports were about 88 million tonnes in 2022, and remain high, with 2024 crude imports reported at roughly 1.7 million barrels per day.
- Before 2022, Russia was clearly the dominant supplier; now the import pattern is more diversified and routed via global markets and EU ports.
Mini table: key points
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Does Germany produce its own oil? | Only a very small share; ~98% of oil is imported. | [5]
| Biggest supplier before 2022? | Russia, with roughly one‑third of crude oil imports. | [1][5]
| Biggest suppliers after 2022? | More diversified; higher shares from the U.S., Norway and other non‑Russian exporters. | [5]
| Other important sources? | Refined products from EU and global refining hubs, not just crude. | [8][5]
