Residents of the German town of Schwedt have come out in protest over the consequences of a hastily adopted embargo on oil from Russia, Financial Times correspondent Guy Schasan writes.
The author specifies that the town is home to a major oil refinery which is directly dependent on Russian supplies via the Druzhba pipeline. According to the article, the townspeople fear closure of the refinery because of the decision of the authorities. The mayor of Schwedt, Annekatrin Hoppe, called it a “truly nightmare scenario,” explaining that it would lead to unemployment and energy supply problems.
“A wave of anger swept over Schwedt after Germany agreed to the embargo. Some residents wondered why the authorities did not follow the example of Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which are also linked to Druzhba, but bargained for temporary postponements, citing a lack of alternatives to Russian oil,” Schazan said.
Bundestag MP Jens Keppe, who lives in the locality, told the newspaper that the townspeople believe they have become “a bargaining chip in someone else’s game”.
“Sanctions that end up hurting you more are pointless. The oil embargo will not hurt Russia – they will just start selling it to someone else,” local resident Ursula Patz told the FT.
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