The interruption of Russian crude deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline has triggered a diplomatic exchange between Budapest, Bratislava, and Zagreb, with Croatia now highlighting its capacity to assist. Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar stated that the country’s oil transport infrastructure can accommodate additional volumes, dismissing suggestions that technical limitations would hinder alternative supply routes.
The issue emerged after Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that Hungary and Slovakia had requested authorization for Russian oil shipments to reach their countries via the JANAF system, following the suspension of flows through Ukrainian territory.
Minister Šušnjar emphasized that Croatia has consistently supported regional energy stability. He noted that any assistance would comply with European Union legislation and relevant US sanctions, while maintaining solidarity with Ukraine.
He reiterated that the state pipeline operator JANAF has sufficient throughput capacity to handle transit requests. Minister Susnjar also addressed past criticisms of Croatia, including allegations of excessive tariffs and claims of being an unreliable transit partner. He stressed that such accusations were unfounded, as transport fees have remained transparent and market-based, and infrastructure operations have continued without disruption, regardless of political tensions.
Croatia’s stance is that fuel shortages in Central Europe must be avoided. Authorities have expressed their willingness to help address the immediate supply imbalance caused by the Druzhba halt, provided that all measures comply with EU frameworks and international sanction rules.
Minister Šušnjar concluded that the current disruption highlights the strategic importance of diversified supply corridors. He noted that the Adriatic route demonstrates viable logistical options for EU member states, removing any technical barriers to continued crude imports if governments choose to pursue them.
