Hungary and Slovakia have not received any Russian pipeline oil deliveries since the end of January due to an attack on a key section of the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine, which was reportedly struck by a Russian drone. This disruption has blocked the flow of Russian crude to these landlocked nations.

Response to the Supply Disruption

In response, Hungary's MOL Group has formally requested its government to sanction the release of approximately 250,000 tonnes (1.8 million barrels) of oil from the country's strategic reserves. MOL is simultaneously arranging for replacement oil supplies via neighbouring Croatia. The company is also in close contact with the Slovak government to ensure a coordinated response. Both countries maintain strategic crude oil reserves sufficient for about 90 days of demand, as required by EU regulations.

Ongoing Reliance on Russian Oil and EU Exemptions

The situation highlights Hungary's and Slovakia's continued reliance on Russian crude. While the European Union imposed a ban on Russian oil imports following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, both countries were granted exemptions to continue imports via pipeline due to their landlocked status and lack of immediate alternatives.

Alternative Supply Routes and Reserves

To secure alternative supplies, MOL has initiated the process of arranging seaborne crude oil deliveries for its refineries. The first shipments are expected to arrive at the Croatian port of Omisalj in early March, with the oil then taking 5 to 12 days to reach the refineries via the Adria pipeline. Hungary has also formally requested Croatia to allow the transit of Russian oil through this pipeline, citing an EU sanctions exemption for seaborne imports when pipeline deliveries are disrupted. Meanwhile, Hungary's strategic oil reserves stood at 655,000 tonnes at the end of December, having already decreased from a high of 770,000 tonnes in October.

Pipeline Background and Damage Assessment

The Druzhba pipeline, which runs from Russia through Belarus before splitting into northern and southern branches, is a critical supply route. The southern branch crosses Ukraine to serve Slovakia and Hungary. While there have been previous attacks on the pipeline since the war began, earlier disruptions lasted only a few days. Ukrainian authorities have not provided details on the extent of the damage from the recent attack or a timeline for restarting transit flows.