Economy 26 February 2026, 4:42pm

According to Mol, JANAF is aware that shipments of crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline have been interrupted. The Hungarian oil company has sent official documents to this effect to the Croatian company.

In its statement, Mol draws attention to EU regulations which state that if oil shipments from Russia to a landlocked member state via pipeline are interrupted for reasons beyond the control of that member state, crude oil transported from Russia by sea may be imported into that member state. The oil company claims that the regulation does not stipulate that Mol or any other relevant operator must seek prior approval or confirmation in this regard.

Mol emphasises that its planned purchase of Russian crude oil by sea is fully compliant with US sanctions regimes. The company has confirmed that none of the firms contracted to transport and sell the Russian crude oil are on any US sanctions list, including the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list.

Mol urgently requests that JANAF confirm their acceptance of the sea shipment of Russian origin that was legally imported in accordance with EU and US sanctions regulations.

According to the announcement, if JANAF continues to refuse to provide confirmation, "Mol has no choice but to turn to the competent EU authorities, including the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition".

At the same time, Mol indicates that JANAF is legally and financially responsible for any financial losses resulting from the delay in receiving confirmation. Mol reserves the right to claim damages from JANAF.

Cover photo: Portfolio