MOL has made a significant oil discovery near Somogysamson in western Hungary. Exploration drilling, conducted in December 2024 at a depth of 1,250 meters, has confirmed the presence of oil, with initial production potential estimated at 1,200 barrels per day.
Zsombor Marton, Executive Vice President for Exploration and Production at MOL Group, emphasized that this discovery is a major milestone, particularly for the Transdanubian region, where oil was last found over a decade ago. The exploration, carried out within the Bazakerettye concession, highlights Hungary’s untapped hydrocarbon potential.
Drilling for the new well, designated Som-8, began on 25 November 2024 and was completed within 33 days. Testing through March 2025 confirmed the well’s production capacity. The extracted oil is currently transported by tanker trucks to the Százhalombatta refinery.
Hungary, a landlocked country, remains highly dependent on imported oil via pipelines and intermediaries. György Bacsa, Chief Operating Officer of MOL Hungary, stated that reducing this reliance is a strategic priority. MOL continues to invest in exploration and production to strengthen energy security, with active oil fields in Vecsés and Tura, along with natural gas developments in eastern Hungary. These efforts have contributed to a five-year peak in domestic hydrocarbon production.
MOL plans to invest over 370 million euros in domestic oil and gas projects over the next five years. As Hungary’s leading hydrocarbon producer, MOL operates nearly 1,300 oil and gas wells. In 2024, it accounted for 47% of the country’s crude oil production (around 600,000 tons) and nearly 90% of domestic natural gas output (approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters). The daily production from the Som-8 well represents approximately 1% of MOL Group’s overall hydrocarbon output.
This discovery further strengthens MOL’s position in Hungary’s energy landscape and supports the country’s goal of enhancing domestic oil and gas production.
