In light of significant disruptions to oil supplies from the Druzhba pipeline, Slovakia has formally requested the European Commission to send inspectors to evaluate the damage affecting crude deliveries to its domestic refineries. This request comes as the country grapples with the implications of halted Russian oil flows through Ukraine, attributed to damage at a pumping station.
Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar has emphasized the urgency of addressing this situation, labeling it a serious challenge for Slovakia. He has called for a swift and transparent resolution, reflecting the heightened concerns in Bratislava regarding ongoing delays in restoring oil transit.
The Druzhba pipeline, a critical conduit for Russian crude oil to Central Europe, faced disruptions earlier this year due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Deliveries to both Slovakia and Hungary were suspended in late January, with Slovak pipeline operator Transpetrol receiving multiple notifications from Ukrainian counterparts about postponed normalization of shipments. The latest update indicated that flows might resume by February 25, yet no explanations were provided for the previous delays.
In response to these supply challenges, the Slovak Government has declared a state of emergency regarding oil supply. It has authorized Slovnaft, a subsidiary of MOL Group, to draw up to 250,000 tons of crude from strategic reserves to ensure refinery operations continue. Concurrently, Slovnaft has halted diesel exports to Ukraine, redirecting refined products back into the domestic market.
Slovakia’s role as an energy supplier to Ukraine is also underlined by Minister Blanar, who noted that Slovnaft meets approximately 15% of Ukraine’s oil product demand. Additionally, Slovakia provides gas and electricity support during emergencies caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Prime Minister Robert Fico has indicated that further countermeasures may be implemented, including suspending emergency electricity deliveries to Ukraine until oil transit through Druzhba is restored. He remarked that discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have yet to yield clear timelines for resuming oil flows.
Authorities in Slovakia have made it clear that any emergency measures will be lifted once oil transit resumes. However, if disruptions persist, additional actions may be necessary as tensions over regional energy security continue to escalate.
