BRUSSELS, May 31 (Reuters) – Germany is sticking to its goal of becoming independent from Russian oil imports by the end of the year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday, adding that options on how to handle the Schwedt refinery are still to be determined.
Asked whether a nationalization of the Schwedt refinery was an option, Scholz said: “We will determine at the end (of our discussions) which way we will take, which way we think is the right one.”
“For now, it is important that we find a perspective that safeguards the jobs in Leuna and Schwedt,” Scholz told journalists in Brussels after a summit with European Union leaders that agreed a gradual embargo on Russian oil imports. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold and Riham Alkousaa Editing by Madeline Chambers)