Hungarian energy group MOL has initiated formal procedures to access national emergency crude reserves following the halt of Russian pipeline deliveries late last month. The company confirmed that it has approached Hungary’s Ministry of Energy to obtain authorization to release oil from strategic storage, ensuring continued refinery operations.
Flows through the Druzhba pipeline toward Hungary and Slovakia were stopped on 27 January, creating an immediate supply shortfall. MOL is reorganizing its logistics by switching to maritime imports, planning to replace the missing volumes with tanker shipments by sea. These ocean deliveries, however, require longer transit times than pipeline flows. The first tankers are expected to arrive at Croatia’s Adriatic port of Omisalj in early March. From there, crude will be forwarded to MOL’s refineries, a process that could take an additional five to twelve days before the oil reaches processing facilities. Consequently, replacement volumes are unlikely to arrive before mid-March.
If eastern supplies are not restored in the coming days, MOL indicated that Hungary may initially release approximately 250,000 barrels from its strategic stockpile. The request submitted to the Ministry formally triggers the process for drawing on these reserves.
Meanwhile, MOL management is coordinating closely with Slovak authorities to ensure a synchronized regional response. The company operates the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava, which has a processing capacity of 124,000 barrels per day, making uninterrupted crude access crucial for regional fuel supply.
Despite the disruption, MOL emphasized that both Hungary and Slovakia maintain emergency reserves equivalent to 90 days of consumption, in line with European Union requirements. The company also stressed that fuel distribution at the retail level remains stable and domestic markets continue to be supplied without interruption. Officials added that developments are being continuously monitored as alternative supply routes are implemented.
