The Croatian oil pipeline operator JANAF has responded robustly to allegations made by Hungary’s MOL Group and Slovakia’s Slovnaft, following a complaint lodged with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition. The complaint alleges that JANAF is engaging in unfair pricing practices concerning crude oil transportation.
In its defense, JANAF has expressed its readiness to fully cooperate with European regulatory bodies, asserting that it is confident ongoing investigations will validate its adherence to EU regulations. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency and compliance with both EU competition laws and international sanctions.
JANAF clarified that the transportation fees applied across its pipeline network are uniformly established, ensuring all clients are subject to identical criteria. This pricing structure is designed to be transparent, allowing partners to comprehend the methodology behind the fee calculations.
Furthermore, JANAF criticized MOL’s comparative assessments of its operations against other pipeline networks, arguing that such evaluations overlook significant technical and operational differences. The operator contends that focusing solely on unit transport costs fails to capture the comprehensive context of its operational framework.
Additionally, JANAF accused MOL of attempting to exert undue influence on both the Croatian operator and European institutions, allegedly in an effort to secure continued access to discounted Russian crude oil—previously a profitable resource for MOL.
Despite these ongoing disputes, JANAF reiterated its position as a dependable supplier of crude oil transport services in Central Europe. The company noted that MOL has arranged for nine tankers carrying non-Russian oil to be delivered to the Omisalj terminal; four tankers have already been unloaded, with additional deliveries scheduled for March and April.
JANAF remains committed to fulfilling its transportation obligations to Hungary and Slovakia as per established schedules, underscoring its dedication even amid regulatory scrutiny and corporate disagreements.
