Tensions between Croatia and Hungary have intensified following statements from Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who accused Croatia of profiting from wartime conditions in the energy sector. His remarks provoked strong reactions from both the Croatian Government and JANAF, the operator of the Croatian oil pipeline.
JANAF rejected Szijjarto’s claims, calling them false and misleading. The company emphasized its full capability to meet the crude oil supply needs of MOL’s Central European refineries, citing recent capacity tests as evidence. JANAF also clarified that its transport tariffs are transparent, legally compliant, and applied equally to all partners. The pricing methodology, validated by international consultants, is considered a model of global best practice. The company noted that other refineries along the pipeline transport significantly larger volumes than MOL, despite serving smaller markets.
Croatian President Zoran Milanovic dismissed Hungary’s accusations as exaggerated and unnecessary. He highlighted Croatia’s robust infrastructure, including its coastline and LNG capacity, which surpasses domestic demand and can support neighboring countries without direct access to the sea. Milanovic stressed that services cannot be provided for free but reaffirmed that Croatia remains a reliable energy partner, pointing out that MOL manages the Rijeka refinery as part of its ownership stake in INA.
Hungary, however, maintains a critical stance. Minister Szijjarto argued that if Hungary relied entirely on Croatia for energy transit, the JANAF pipeline would not be able to deliver sufficient volumes to ensure uninterrupted supply for both Hungary and Slovakia. He reiterated that Hungary will not tolerate what he described as Croatian profiteering, which could undermine domestic policies aimed at reducing household energy costs.
The dispute is further complicated by longstanding disagreements between MOL and JANAF over transport arrangements. Hungary continues to import significant amounts of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline, while Croatia has consistently pushed for diversification and regional energy security. Despite their alliance within the EU and NATO, this latest exchange highlights persistent energy-related tensions in their bilateral relationship.
