In a significant escalation of regional energy tensions, Slovakia has formally requested an inspection from the European Commission to assess the damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has recently experienced supply interruptions affecting domestic refineries. This disruption follows a halt in Russian oil flows through Ukraine, attributed to damage at a pumping station, posing serious challenges for Slovakia’s energy security.
Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar underscored the urgency of the situation, calling for a swift and transparent resolution. The request for an independent inspection team, directed to EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen, aims to verify if the reported damage is indeed obstructing the restoration of oil supplies. This move highlights increasing frustration in Bratislava over ongoing delays in resuming transit operations.
The Druzhba pipeline, a critical conduit for Russian crude oil to Central Europe, was impacted amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to halted deliveries not only to Slovakia but also to Hungary since late January. Slovak pipeline operator Transpetrol has received numerous notifications from Ukrainian authorities indicating postponements in normalizing shipments, with the latest communication suggesting that flows might resume on 25 February. However, no explanations have been provided for prior delays.
In response to this supply crisis, the Slovak Government has declared a state of emergency regarding oil supply. It has authorized Slovnaft, a subsidiary of MOL Group, to withdraw up to 250,000 tons of crude from strategic reserves to ensure refinery operations continue uninterrupted. Concurrently, Slovnaft has suspended its diesel exports to Ukraine, redirecting these refined products back into the domestic market.
The importance of Slovakia as an energy supplier extends beyond its borders; it plays a vital role in supporting Ukraine’s energy needs. According to Minister Blanar, Slovnaft accounts for approximately 15% of Ukraine’s oil product demand, while Slovakia also supplies gas and electricity during critical outages caused by Russian military actions against Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Prime Minister Robert Fico indicated that further measures may be implemented if the situation does not improve, including suspending emergency electricity deliveries to Ukraine until normal oil transit through Druzhba is reinstated. He noted that discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have yet to yield concrete timelines for restoring oil flows.
The Slovak authorities have made it clear that any restrictions will be lifted once oil transit resumes. If disruptions persist, additional countermeasures may be necessary, reflecting growing concerns about energy security across the region.
