**Qatar Withdraws Interest in Rosneft’s German Operations, Leaving Future Uncertain**
Qatar has officially withdrawn its interest in the German operations of Rosneft PJSC, the state-controlled oil company of Russia, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) was the last entity expressing interest in the refining assets, which now face an uncertain future. This development intensifies the pressure on the German government to make a decision regarding the business, currently under a temporary trusteeship that has been extended multiple times.
Rosneft Deutschland and QIA have both declined to comment on the matter, while Rosneft has not responded to inquiries. The German economy ministry has stated that it is not involved in the ongoing sales negotiations led by Rosneft. Initially, Germany aimed to finalize the deal by the end of the previous year; however, Qatar was unable to secure the necessary approval from the White House, which it sought to maintain favorable relations with the United States.
The German government took control of Rosneft Deutschland and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH in September 2022, extending the trusteeship six times since then, with the current extension set to expire on September 10. The imposition of sanctions against Russia has deterred potential Western buyers from emerging. Rosneft Deutschland holds stakes in three German refineries, which collectively account for 12% of the country’s total processing capacity, including the PCK Raffinerie GmbH’s Schwedt plant located near Berlin.
Germany’s economy minister, Katherina Reiche, informed lawmakers that establishing a secure legal future for the entity is a complex task that requires time.
**FAQ**
*What is the current status of Rosneft’s operations in Germany?*
The German operations of Rosneft are currently under temporary trusteeship, with Qatar having withdrawn its interest in acquiring the assets, leaving their future uncertain.