Efforts to diversify crude oil sourcing have led MOL Group to acquire a shipment of approximately 510,000 barrels of oil from the United States, in a deal valued at around 500 million dollars. The purchased volume is estimated to cover roughly one month of refining demand, highlighting its strategic importance. The transaction came to light following a media inquiry and coincided with a high-level visit to Budapest, adding further attention to the deal.
The company presented the purchase as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on single supply sources. In recent periods, MOL has secured crude from a range of regions, including Libya, Kazakhstan, Norway, and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its commitment to diversification. Despite these efforts, the company maintains that supply security in Hungary and the wider region remains stable.
At the same time, expanding the supplier base has exposed infrastructure constraints, particularly regarding the Croatian JANAF pipeline. MOL has pointed out that its current capacity may represent a key bottleneck, especially when the Danube refinery operates at full output. The situation has been further complicated by operational setbacks, including a fire at the Százhalombatta refinery, which reduced processing capacity by about half. Full recovery is expected by the third quarter of 2026, with accelerated repair works currently underway.
Additional challenges stem from the varying quality of crude oil sourced from different regions. Unlike the more uniform REBCO blend, alternative grades can differ significantly, creating logistical and refining complexities. For instance, heavier crude from Norway has proven more difficult to transport and process efficiently.
To address these issues, MOL plans to work closely with JANAF to reassess pipeline performance under original testing conditions. This will involve comprehensive testing along the entire route once refinery operations return to full capacity. The company emphasized that gaining an accurate understanding of the system’s capabilities is crucial for all stakeholders, a process that is also supported by the European Commission.
