In a significant move to enhance regional energy logistics, Hungary and Slovakia are set to construct a new cross-border pipeline aimed at facilitating the transport of refined petroleum products. This project will link key refineries operated by MOL in both countries and is expected to be operational by the first half of 2024.
The pipeline will span approximately 127 kilometers and is projected to have an annual capacity of 1.65 million tons of fuel. Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto emphasized that the infrastructure will primarily transport diesel, petrol, and selected chemical feedstocks sourced from Slovakia, underscoring its strategic role in Hungary’s fuel supply chain.
According to MOL’s plans, the pipeline is anticipated to deliver at least 1.1 million tons of diesel annually from Slovak facilities, which accounts for about one third of Hungary’s total diesel consumption. This highlights the critical importance of this infrastructure in meeting Hungary’s energy demands.
Furthermore, the project aims to enhance logistical efficiency while reducing the environmental impact associated with fuel transportation. Once operational, it is expected to replace approximately 1.5 million tons of fuel that are currently moved by rail. Additionally, it will lead to a decrease of around 200,000 tons per year in petroleum shipments along the Danube River between the two nations.
Technical modifications will primarily occur on the Slovak side, where the pipeline will utilize pipes with a diameter of 30 centimeters. Increased pressure in this section is planned to ensure efficient fuel delivery to Hungary, with no new pumping stations necessary on the Hungarian side.
This new pipeline builds upon existing infrastructure; since 2015, the refineries have been connected via a crude oil pipeline. The introduction of this refined products pipeline represents a more direct and cost-effective method for transferring fuels. The initiative was first outlined in MOL Group’s infrastructure development strategy back in 2021, with construction activities slated to commence towards the end of 2025.
