PRAGUE/WARSAW, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Refiner Unipetrol reported delays in Russian oil deliveries to the Czech Republic via the Druzhba pipeline on Wednesday, while EU envoys failed to agree on whether to allow it to import products made from Russian crude from neighbouring Slovakia.

Its operations were not affected, the unit of Polish refiner Orlen (PKN.WA) , opens new tab said, but added it had approached the government about an oil loan in light of "the dynamic situation in the regulatory environment".

On Wednesday evening, diplomats in Brussels discussed the future of the EU exemption that allows the Czech Republic to import diesel and other products made from Russian oil. The exemption is part of a proposed 15th package of sanctions on Russia. Diplomats said talks would resume on Friday.

In the meantime Czech Industry Minister Lukas Vlcek said the government had approved lending Unipetrol 330,000 metric tons of oil from state reserves.

Czech pipeline operator Mero said it was investigating the oil pipeline delivery delays and that alternative supply routes were in use.

"The Czech Republic's oil supply is not threatened in any way," it said in a statement, adding that supply via the western route through the TAL and IKL pipelines was running without any problems.

The products imports exemption expires on Dec. 5 and deciding on its future requires unanimity.

Two sources familiar with the discussions said that one option being considered is a six-month extension. If no consensus is reached the exemption will lapse.

The Czech Republic last month said it was not looking to extend the exemption.

Separately, oil supplies to Slovakia were uninterrupted, its oil pipeline operator said.

The Czech Republic aims to end consumption of Russian oil in July next year after an upgrade to a transalpine pipeline allows it to ramp up shipments from the west, Mero said last month.

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https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/unipetrol-reports-delayed-russian-oil-flows-imports-ruling-looms-2024-12-04/