Hungary, Slovakia Seek Oil Alternatives As Croatia Resists Russian Supply Route (Worthy News Focus)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief reporting from Budapest, Hungary

ZAGREB/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Tensions over oil deliveries to Central and Eastern Europe escalated Tuesday after Croatia cautioned against supplying Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia amid a widening dispute over halted pipeline flows.

The dispute centers on the Druzhba (“Friendship”) pipeline, the vast Soviet-era network built in the 1960s by the Soviet Union as a symbol of “friendship” among its satellite states. The pipeline has long served as a lifeline for landlocked Hungary and Slovakia, but has been shut since January 27.

Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of being responsible for the disruption, describing it as politically motivated. Both governments oppose Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union, citing economic and security concerns, while their current leaders have refused to provide military assistance to Kyiv.

Ukraine has denied seeking to pressure Hungary and Slovakia by disrupting Russian energy supplies, saying a Russian military attack damaged pipeline infrastructure on Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha posted a photo on the social media platform X that he said showed Druzhba pipeline infrastructure burning after a Russian attack. The image could not be independently verified.

CROATIA RESISTS RUSSIAN SUPPLIES

Facing continued uncertainty, Hungary and Slovakia have asked Croatia to help secure seaborne deliveries via the Adria pipeline, which runs from the Croatian port of Omišalj to Hungary and connects onward.

However, Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar indicated that while the route has additional capacity, Zagreb would prefer it not be used to transport Russian crude.

“A barrel bought from Russia may appear cheaper to some countries, but helps fund war and attacks on Ukrainian people,” Šušnjar wrote on X.

His remarks highlighted growing friction within the European Union, as some member states push to reduce dependence on Moscow while others remain heavily reliant on Russian supplies.

Slovakia confirmed it had jointly approached Croatia with Hungary regarding potential deliveries. Hungarian oil company MOL did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

ORBÁN FACES ELECTION PRESSURE

Slovak officials have argued that EU energy policy must reflect the vulnerabilities of landlocked member states dependent on pipeline infrastructure.

Hungary and Slovakia retain exemptions from the EU’s ban on most seaborne Russian oil imports due to limited alternatives.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the April 12 election, has made cheap energy a central issue in the campaign, warning that it could be jeopardized if Hungary is forced to quickly seek alternative supplies.

However, Hungary and Slovakia signed energy cooperation agreements with the United States during this week’s visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including civil nuclear accords aimed at strengthening regional energy security.

Both Hungary and Slovakia have maintained working relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite nearly four years of war in Ukraine, drawing criticism from other EU governments.

EMERGENCY RESERVES, EU RESPONSE

The two neighbors have begun talks on releasing crude from their strategic reserves. Under EU law, member states are required to hold at least 90 days’ worth of emergency oil stocks.

A European Commission spokesperson said there were “no short-term risks to security of supply” and confirmed Brussels remains in contact with Ukraine regarding repairs to the Druzhba pipeline.

The situation is further complicated by U.S. sanctions targeting major Russian energy firms, including Rosneft and Lukoil. While American sanctions do not directly prohibit European imports of Russian crude, they may complicate transactions involving shipping, insurance, or port infrastructure along Croatia’s Adriatic route.

The standoff underscores how Cold War-era energy infrastructure continues to shape geopolitical fault lines inside the European Union, as member states balance solidarity with Ukraine against domestic economic pressures.

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