SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Hungary’s MOL Group has requested the release of strategic crude oil reserves from the Hungarian Ministry of Energy after shipments through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia halted on January 27, 2026. In response, the company has begun arranging alternative maritime deliveries to maintain refinery operations.
MOL confirmed that the first seaborne crude cargoes are expected to arrive at the Croatian port of Omišalj in early March. From there, it will take an additional 5 to 12 days for the oil to reach the company’s refineries. Due to longer transit times, the maritime supply route will be established gradually.
If eastbound pipeline deliveries do not resume soon, MOL indicated that approximately 250,000 tonnes of Hungary’s strategic crude reserves may initially need to be released. In Slovakia, the company is coordinating closely with government authorities to ensure preparedness. Both countries maintain around 90 days of crude oil and fuel reserves in compliance with European Union regulations.
MOL emphasized that the disruption does not currently threaten fuel supply. Market demand continues to be met without interruption, and refinery operations remain within normal business parameters as the company monitors developments.
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