Hungarian energy company MOL Group has formally requested that Croatian pipeline operator JANAF confirm without delay that it will allow the passage of Russian crude shipments not subject to sanctions and delivered by sea to Hungary and Slovakia. MOL expects a clear response by 27 February and has indicated it may escalate the matter to European Union institutions if no assurance is provided.
According to MOL, deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline have been interrupted, prompting the company to explore maritime alternatives. MOL states that all necessary documentation has already been submitted to JANAF. Citing EU sanctions legislation, the company argues that landlocked member states may import Russian crude by sea if pipeline supplies are halted for reasons beyond their control, a position validated by Hungary’s national sanctions authority. MOL asserts that current EU rules do not require additional approvals for such imports and emphasizes compliance with US sanctions, including OFAC regulations, noting that none of the involved shipping or supply entities appear on US restriction lists.
MOL contends that under both EU and US sanctions frameworks, JANAF is obligated to permit transit of legally imported cargoes. The company also notes JANAF’s dominant position on transport routes supplying MOL’s refineries, suggesting that refusal could raise competition law concerns at the EU level. Should transit be denied, MOL is prepared to appeal to European authorities, including the European Commission’s Directorate General for Competition.
The Hungarian group further warned that any delay in confirmation could result in financial losses, for which it would seek compensation.
