Supply of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline has resumed, according to the Hungarian oil company MOL and the Slovak Ministry of Economy, who announced it on Thursday. The supply mechanism has resumed after a period of shutdowns, and the information was confirmed by official regional sources.
Slovakia and Hungary continue to cover a substantial part of their needs from Russian oil and seek to preserve these volumes despite the European Union’s efforts to diversify sources. The resumption of deliveries is important for the stability of the two countries’ energy balance under the current economic conditions.
Last week deliveries were interrupted several times, and on August 21 they stopped altogether. Such disruptions create additional challenges for the market and highlight the region’s energy dependence vulnerabilities.
I hope that the pipeline’s operation remains stable and there will be no more attacks on energy infrastructure
– Denisa Sakova
MOL said that oil had arrived in both countries, but no detailed information was released. According to Hungarian officials, the resumption could have occurred on Thursday in a test mode with volumes below normal; it was also noted that previous disruptions were linked to regional actions that had affected supply previously.
Impact of the Event on the Region’s Energy Context
The confirmation of the resumption of supplies through Druzhba matters for regional energy stability and for the ability of countries to maintain economic ties through imported oil. Government and industry leaders emphasize the need for further diversification of supplies and the use of all available routes to reduce dependence on individual sources.
Hungary and Slovakia continue to consider various scenarios for energy supply, taking into account technical and logistical nuances, as well as coordination with neighboring countries. At the same time, experts emphasize the need to strengthen energy security and develop alternative sources to reduce vulnerability to external factors.
Prospects and Next Steps
Following the restoration of supply, the countries continue to monitor the situation and work to ensure stable volumes in the future. The region’s economic impact will depend on the duration and reliability of oil deliveries via Druzhba, as well as on the ability of the EU and the countries themselves to adapt to the new realities of the energy market.