The war in the Middle East is affecting the global supply of crude oil. According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), 6.1 % of the crude oil that entered Germany in 2025 came from the region, specifically from Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel. This portion represents 4.6 million tonnes out of a total of 75.7 million tonnes imported.
In 2020 the Middle‑Eastern share of Germany’s crude imports was 4.4 % of 84.7 million tonnes. For 2025 no crude oil from other Middle‑Eastern countries-such as Oman, Qatar, Kuwait or Iran-reached Germany.
Across the European Union the situation mirrors Germany’s. Eurostat recorded that the 27 member states imported 429.3 million tonnes of crude oil in 2025, of which 13.0 % (55.9 million tonnes) originated from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia was the EU’s top Middle‑Eastern supplier, contributing 6.9 % (29.6 million tonnes), followed by Iraq at 5.9 % (25.1 million tonnes).
For Germany the primary source of crude oil is Norway. In 2025 Norway accounted for 16.6 % of all imports, equal to 12.5 million tonnes. The United States followed closely with 16.4 % (12.4 million tonnes), and Libya supplied 13.8 % (10.4 million tonnes).
Among Middle‑Eastern exporters to Germany, Iraq was the most significant in 2025, providing 4.2 % (3.1 million tonnes) of the country’s total crude imports and ranking seventh among Germany’s top suppliers overall. The United Arab Emirates contributed 1.1 % (801 000 tonnes), and Saudi Arabia 0.8 % (642 000 tonnes). Saudi Arabia’s role has weakened in recent decades; in 2020 its share of German imports was 2.3 % (1.9 million tonnes).
Overall German demand for crude oil has dropped sharply in recent years. In 2025 Germany imported 75.7 million tonnes of crude at an average price of 477 euros per tonne, 10.6 % less than the 84.7 million tonnes imported in 2020. Looking further back, the 2025 imports were 33.9 % lower than those of 2005.