Mol Receives Non-Russian Oil Via Croatia Amid Supply Concerns
Croatia Authorizes Russian Oil Transit to Hungary and Slovakia Amid Pipeline Disruptions
A shipment of crude oil destined for the MOL Group is currently being loaded at the Janaf Omišalj terminal in Croatia, the Croatian oil company announced on Wednesday, February 25, according to Hungarian news outlet hvg.hu. The company indicated What we have is not a one-time delivery, anticipating the arrival of seven additional tankers by early April.
Janaf specifically highlighted that the oil being handled is not of Russian origin, and stated it is prepared to meet the entire annual crude oil needs of refineries in both Slovakia and Hungary. This declaration directly addresses the ongoing dispute between the Croatian and Hungarian governments, and MOL, regarding the Adriatic pipeline’s capacity to consistently supply Hungary with the necessary volumes.
The recent developments stem from the disruption of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies Hungary, following a Russian drone attack late last month. The resumption of transit through Druzhba remains uncertain, intensifying regional energy security concerns. Budapest and Bratislava have suggested allowing the import of Russian oil via the Adriatic pipeline, a proposal Croatia has so far resisted. The parties have also alluded to potential restrictions on electricity and gas deliveries to Ukraine.
The tension between Janaf and MOL dates back further, to the autumn of 2025, when a significant disagreement arose concerning the Adriatic pipeline’s actual capacity and operational reliability. MOL reported that joint tests revealed the system could not maintain stable, high-capacity operation for extended periods. Janaf disputed these findings, asserting its technical and organizational readiness to fully supply MOL’s refineries in Central Europe, and indicated discussions were underway regarding a long-term contract for larger volumes.
Janaf’s simultaneous communication regarding non-Russian shipments, multiple incoming tankers, and full annual supply capability signals a new phase in the regional oil logistics debate. While the Druzhba pipeline outage increases pressure to utilize alternative routes, the parties continue to disagree on the Adriatic pipeline’s “real” performance capabilities and the extent to which increased imports of Russian crude oil via sea are acceptable to ensure energy security.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Hungary and Slovakia reportedly requested Croatia to allow the shipment of Russian crude via the Adriatic pipeline as a stopgap measure, as reported on February 15, 2026, by Bloomberg. MOL Group has stated it can source most of its crude oil from non-Russian suppliers, potentially utilizing the Adriatic pipeline to replace up to 80% of its supply if deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline are significantly disrupted.
However, the use of the Adriatic pipeline is not without its challenges. MOL has noted potential technical risks and higher logistics costs associated with relying on this route. A dispute exists regarding the pipeline’s capacity, with Janaf claiming it can meet MOL’s refinery needs, while MOL has raised concerns about technical issues and sustained high-volume operation.
Hungary and Slovakia have also been utilizing their strategic oil reserves in response to the disruptions in the Druzhba pipeline, according to reports from [Букви]. The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerability of Central European nations to disruptions in Russian oil supplies and the complexities of diversifying energy sources.