MOL accuses JANAF of blocking Russian oil shipments

Hungary’s MOL Group has accused Croatia’s JANAF of violating regulations and causing Hungary financial damage by refusing to transport Russian crude oil.

In a statement, MOL called on JANAF to confirm by February 27 that it will allow shipments of such crude arriving in Europe by sea. Otherwise, Hungary could go to the European Commission and initiate damages proceedings.

Deliveries of Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline have been suspended since January due to pipeline damage, which Hungary blames on Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia have exemptions to EU sanctions on Russian oil imports via the Druzhba pipeline.

Croatia has repeatedly offered to transport enough crude via JANAF to meet the needs of both countries, provided the shipments comply with EU and US sanctions. However, Hungary continues to seek access to cheaper Russian oil, citing EU rules that allow a landlocked member state to import Russian crude by sea in the event of a supply disruption beyond its control.

MOL also claims that JANAF holds a dominant position over supply routes to its refineries and argues that any refusal to transport oil could constitute an abuse of that position.

Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar rejected the accusations, describing JANAF as a reliable and competitive partner.

“We are a sovereign nation and we will not bow to anyone’s pressure, but we will respect international law. We will not agree to any blackmail,” Šušnjar said.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković also dismissed claims by Hungary and Slovakia that their energy security is at risk.

He said JANAF has the capacity to transport 15 million tons of crude oil annually — enough to meet the needs of both countries — and rejected suggestions that the Adriatic pipeline is secondary or unreliable.

“It can be their primary pipeline, should they choose so. And it is definitely reliable,” Plenković said.

He added that Croatia will continue to adhere to EU and US sanctions on Russian oil imports.