Those Responsible For Russian Oil Contamination In Druzhba Pipeline To Face Justice- Kozak

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 26th April, 2019) Those responsible for contaminated Russian oil getting into the Druzhba pipeline will be brought to justice, since Russian state-owned transport monopoly Transneft and Russian oil refineries have suffered serious damage, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said on Thursday, stressing that Russian law enforcement bodies are already working on the matter.

The quality of Russian oil being transported via Druzhba came into question last week when Belarus, a transit country, raised concerns on the matter. Transneft said that it had found high contents of chlorides in the oil and that it was taking measures to solve the problem as soon as possible. While Poland suspended transit through the Druzhba pipeline late on Wednesday, deliveries to Ukraine, Slovakia and the Czech Republic continue.

"As for the origin of these contaminants, the point of their entry to the pipeline has been found.

Four oil companies that deliver oil are working there. Law enforcement bodies are working on the matter, as significant damage has been inflicted to our oil refineries, our partners and Transneft itself. When the author of this 'oeuvre' is identified, we will take appropriate measures related to financial responsibility and, perhaps, personal responsibility of the officials from oil companies who have let his happen," Kozak told reporters.

Kozak announced earlier in the day that Russia, Belarus and Poland would hold trilateral talks on Friday to discuss oil quality in the Druzhba pipeline. According Kozak, pure and high-quality oil is expected to reach the Belarusian border on Monday, since Russia has taken urgent measures to improve the situation.