MOL Group and MVM Group have launched a strategic oil trading partnership aimed at expanding and stabilizing energy supply for Central Europe, particularly for landlocked countries like Hungary and Slovakia. The collaboration seeks to increase the volume of non-Russian crude processed in MOL’s refineries by up to 160,000 tons annually, contributing to regional diversification goals.
The partnership involves sourcing crude oil from the Caspian region and transporting it via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to Turkey’s Ceyhan terminal, from where it will be delivered to MOL’s downstream markets. MOL has a longstanding relationship with Azeri crude, having acquired a stake in Azerbaijan’s Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oil field in 2020. In 2024 alone, it delivered approximately 5 million barrels to the region. MVM entered the Azeri energy market in 2024 by acquiring a 5% stake in the Shah Deniz gas and condensate field and now facilitates the monthly import of around 100,000 barrels of crude oil from the site.
The new agreement adds crude volumes equivalent to two full tanker shipments annually, supplementing MOL’s regular imports. The collaboration enhances infrastructure and supply route reliability, reinforcing the region’s energy resilience. It showcases how coordinated efforts between national energy leaders can streamline logistics and deliver long-term commercial and strategic benefits.
This move supports Hungary’s broader goal to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on limited supply channels. It also aligns with MVM’s Strategy 2035, which prioritizes sustainable and diversified sourcing. MVM’s participation ensures crude from Shah Deniz reaches Central Europe, deepening ties between the Caucasus and the EU.
For MOL, the partnership is another step in diversifying both its supply sources and delivery infrastructure. Despite advancements in refining and import strategies, MOL emphasizes the need for an additional crude oil pipeline to complement the currently overstretched JANAF line.
Together, MOL and MVM are improving the region’s ability to manage energy transitions and secure steady fuel supplies, setting a foundation for long-term reliability in a volatile global energy landscape.
