The Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies Russian crude to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, will cease operations starting 1 January 2025, according to a statement by Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This development aligns with Ukraine’s decision to halt Russian gas transit through the Brotherhood pipeline, as Ukraine has opted not to renew its contract with Gazprom, which expires at the end of the year.
Ukraine open to helping, but not with Russian gas
In the past, Hungary received gas via this route, but in anticipation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the country redirected the flow to the Turkish Stream pipeline from the south. Currently, gas continues to flow through the Brotherhood pipeline from Hungary toward Ukraine. Podolyak indicated that Ukraine is open to transmitting non-Russian gas through this route, such as from Central Asia, if appropriate agreements are made, HVG reports.
Europe, he noted, has diversified its energy sources, reducing its reliance on Russia, which no longer plays the dominant role it once did. Podolyak emphasised that should countries want Kazakh or Azerbaijani gas, Ukraine would be ready to facilitate its transport as long as the necessary logistical and contractual frameworks are in place.
Druzhba pipeline to close next January
However, with the Druzhba pipeline’s closure looming, Hungary may face oil supply challenges. Currently, Hungary can only import oil via the Adriatic pipeline from Croatia, apart from the Druzhba line. This raises concerns about the country’s energy security, as reliance on a single pipeline could leave it vulnerable to fluctuations and price hikes.
Zsolt Hernádi, CEO of MOL, Hungary’s state oil company, has long warned of the risks associated with cutting off Russian oil imports due to the war in Ukraine. He argued that relying solely on Croatia for oil supplies is not only economically damaging but also leaves Hungary exposed to potential manipulation by Croatia. MOL has previously voiced concerns that Croatia could exploit this situation by increasing transit fees for the Adriatic pipeline, something MOL already considers excessive.
UPDATE: Ukraine clarifies position
By Friday afternoon, Podolyak reversed his statement, contradicting his earlier claims: read more HERE.
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Fantastic. Now Hungary can finally stop funding the Russian war machine with its’ purchases of Russian gas. Oh! The outrage that will be coming now from Fidesz Russian agents Orban, Szijjarto and the rest of that mafia organization.
Kremlin – Ramifications on the (3) Three – “Gofers” – Orban, Varga and Szijjarto.- which AGAIN will “Spear” Hungarians – WRONGFULLY.
Eradication of the “known” players or “Gofers” by DEMOCRATIC process.
Is Hungary capable of such an ACTION that is a NEED for there FUTURE ?
Stop pointing on Hungarian government and prime minister : become annoying ,moreover what you keep saying is pure lies and hatred !
My comment was adressed to the guy named harry!
The guy named ‘larry’ not really hungarian name!
Mcs – SUCH Naivety and GULLIBILITY.
Wonder if Mcs – is a “Shortened ” of a “camouflage” to Michael Steiner ?
Ukraine is a giant pain in the a… I don’t root for them anymore and don’t want to have anything to do with them. We should downgrade diplomatic relations with them and impose strict border controls.
So many smart people commenting from presumably faraway countries (typically from the US, which can allow itself to rape other nations for oil, with no consequences whatsoever).
If you sometimes look at the map though, you will see Hungary sits in the middle of Europe.
As such, it has no seaports, and they massively depends on the goodwill of their neighbours. Croatia already showed it’s more than happy to take advantage of a desperate situation by raising their prices multiple times over market rates.
The EU gives zero f’s about Hungary or its people (sure, the governments constant fights against the EU is no help)
Building thousands of kilometres of new oil pipes isn’t as straightforward either.
So I’m curious what solution all the judgemental people have out there