Hungary has vowed to block a €90 billion EU financial package for Ukraine until Kyiv resumes Russian oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline, escalating tensions between Budapest and its European partners. The move comes as Central European refineries face supply shortages following a January 27 infrastructure disruption that Hungary and Slovakia attribute to Ukrainian authorities.
Strategic Reserves Activated
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on social media platform X that Ukraine's alleged blockade violates EU agreements, stating: "We will not give in to this blackmail." The government released 1.8 million barrels from strategic reserves Thursday to address refinery shortages, despite Croatia's JANAF pipeline operator claiming existing non-Russian supplies could meet demand.
Regional Energy Security at Risk
MOL Group, which operates refineries in both Hungary and Slovakia, has redirected tankers carrying Saudi, Norwegian, and Kazakh oil to compensate for lost Russian supplies. First shipments are expected through Croatia's Omisalj port in early March, with full delivery taking up to 12 days. Slovakia declared an oil emergency this week, releasing 1.825 million barrels from its reserves.
Broader Implications
The standoff highlights deepening divisions within the EU over energy policy and Ukraine support. With both countries' reserves currently covering 96 days of consumption, analysts warn prolonged disputes could impact Central European fuel markets and test EU unity as the conflict enters its fourth year.
