Payment issues linked to U.S. sanctions on Russia were behind the latest halt in oil supplies by Russia to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Oil supplies to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline stopped due to problems with payments that arose due to anti-Russian sanctions from the West. This was reported by Reuters on March 5.

Czech authorities prepare oil supplies from reserves and work to fully replace Russian oil via alternative routes

A halt in oil supplies by Russia to the Czech Republic on Tuesday via the Druzhba pipeline is due to payment issues between Czech refineries' Polish owner and Russian suppliers, the Czech industry minister was cited as saying.

Russian oil supply to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline was cut short on Tuesday.

Druzhba is the largest Russian oil pipeline supplying crude to Europe. Built in the 1960s, it splits in the Belarusian city of Mazyr into northern and southern branches. The northern route runs through Belarus, Poland, Germany, Latvia, and Lithuania, while the southern branch extends through Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.

The Czech state company that operates the country's oil pipeline network says deliveries from Russia through the Druhzba pipeline have been halted.

Czech oil pipeline operator Mero reported a disruption in the Druzhba pipeline's oil supplies. The company reassured that there are no significant impacts on Czech refineries' supplies and alternative pipelines TAL and IKL are ready for emergencies.

"We control the situation and are prepared for such circumstances. Refineries in the Czech Republic are well prepared, and the state material reserve system is reliable, so I can assure everyone that there are enough oil reserves for both households and businesses,