Poland detects leak in Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Europe

By Murat Temizer

WARSAW (AA) – Polish pipeline operator PERN on Sunday said that it has detected a leak in a section of the Druzhba pipeline, which carries oil from Russia to Europe.

In a statement, the operator said it halted pumping through part of the pipeline after the leak was detected near Chodecz in central Poland on one of the two lines of the western sections through which oil reaches Germany.

There is no health risk to the local people, PERN said, adding that the second line is operating without any changes.

It said that they are currently investigating the cause of the leak and that pumping is expected to resume by Aug. 8.

The Druzhba oil pipeline is one of the world’s largest and can carry 2 million barrels per day.