Which is the Longest Cross-Country Oil Pipeline in the World?

Last Updated: May 15, 2026, 17:26 IST

Longest Cross-country oil Pipeline in the world, Spanning approximately 4,000 kilometers, the also known as the "Friendship Pipeline" Learn about its longest route, the countries it connects, and its role in global energy.

the Longest Cross-Country Oil Pipeline in the World
the Longest Cross-Country Oil Pipeline in the World

Longest Oil Pipeliine of the World: It serves as a colossal industrial artery spanning thousands of miles across rugged terrain and international borders and fueling the economies of multiple nations. It is designed as a feat of mid 1990's engineering. This pipeline network transports millions of barrels of crude oil daily from deep within the Eurasian interior to the heart of Europe.

Which is the Longest Oil Pipeline in the World?

The Druzhba Pipeline of Russia is the longest cross-country oil pipeline in the world. It starts through Russia and passes through seven countries connecting Central- North Europe. The pipelines are the silent giants that power economies in the intricate world of global energy, The Druzhba Pipeline, often referred to as the Friendship Pipeline, holds the record as the longest cross-country oil pipeline in the world.

Countries Covered by the Longest Oil Pipeline in the World

The Druzhba network is a marvel of 1960s engineering that has remained vital in the present. It begins in Almetyevsk, Russia, where it collects crude oil from Western Siberia region and passes through the Urals Mountains and the Caspian Sea from there, it traverses a huge expanse before splitting in Belarus to serve two distinct regions includes:

Longest Oil Pipelines in the World (1)

Northern Branch:  where it travels through Belarus and Poland to reach refineries in Germany.

Southern Branch: here it crosses Ukraine to supply oil to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

In total, the main system and its primary branches directly connect seven countries, though its secondary networks reach even further into the European continent. 

Note: 4,000 km refers to the main trunk line, while 5,500 km includes all secondary branches and extensions.

Longest Oil Pipelines in the World

Although Russia’s Druzhba pipeline is the longest one, there are other following closely the longest Oil Pipeline in the world. Here is how the world's longest oil pipelines compare as of 2026:

Pipeline Name

Primary Location

Approx. Length (km)

Druzhba Pipeline

Russia to Europe

4,000 – 5,500*

ESPO Pipeline

Russia to Asia-Pacific

4,850

Keystone Pipeline

Canada to USA

3,400

Kazakhstan-China

Kazakhstan to China

2,230

Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan

Azerbaijan to Turkey

1,768

Longest Oil Pipelines in the World

Key Facts about the Longest Oil Pipeline in the World

Druzhba Pipeline has a strategic and massive impact on global energy security. Here are the some important facts about the World’s longest oil pipeline: 

  • Druzhba Pipeline is capable of transporting between 1.2 to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day.

  • The pipeline crossed 45 major rivers and over 200 railways and highways.

  • It was constructed between 1960 and 1964. It was designed to provide the Soviet Union's allies with a reliable and cheap energy source.

  • The pipeline remains a focal point of geopolitical tension despite its name Friendship pipeline. In recent years disruptions have been seen and shifts in usage as European nations seek to diversify their energy sources away from traditional routes.

  • It is also know as the Friendship Moniker the name comes from the Russian word Druzhba (Дружба), symbolising the initial cooperation between the Eastern Bloc nations of USSR during the Cold War.

In the present time the Druzhba pipeline remains a testament to mid-century industrial ambition and engineering which continues to serve as a primary energy artery even as the world transitions toward a diversified energy landscape.

Also Read: Top Petroleum Consuming Countries in the World in 2026

Manisha Waldia
Manisha Waldia

Content Writer

Manisha Waldia is an accomplished content writer with 4+ years of experience dedicated to UPSC, State PCS, and current affairs. She excels in creating expert content for core subjects like Polity, Geography, and History. Her work emphasises in-depth conceptual understanding and rigorous analysis of national and international affairs. Manisha has curated educational materials for leading institutions, including Drishti IAS, Shubhara Ranjan IAS, Study IQ, and PWonly IAS. Email ID: manisha.waldia@jagrannewmedia.com

... Read More
First Published: May 15, 2026, 17:26 IST

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India, World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App.

Trending

Latest Education News