The Slovak government has decided to release up to 250,000 tons of oil from the state’s strategic reserves to supply the Bratislava-based Slovnaft refinery, following disruptions in deliveries via the Družba pipeline and declaring a state of oil emergency—the first in the country’s history. The refinery will provide financial collateral or a bank guarantee equal to the oil’s recorded value. The Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic is closely monitoring the situation, maintaining intensive contact with the pipeline operator Transpetrol, and negotiating alternative supply routes, as the Družba pipeline has been damaged in Ukraine due to the ongoing military conflict with Russia since late January.
“Until now, we do not have a clear explanation why oil deliveries from Ukraine have not resumed to Slovakia. The Ukrainian side repeatedly delays the restoration date, creating uncertainty,” stated Minister of Economy Denisa Saková. She emphasized that Slovakia cannot rely on unverified or unstable information from partners and is therefore taking preventive measures to protect energy security. Full utilization of the alternative Adria pipeline is expected to take 20–30 days, while the oil from state reserves should cover at least one month of Slovnaft’s operations. Saková added, “The government is prepared to act quickly. At the same time, we are negotiating with partners in Croatia and the Czech Republic to use their capacities and infrastructure. Our main priority is ensuring stable oil and petroleum product supplies for Slovak citizens and industry.” While Croatia has expressed willingness to support Central Europe’s fuel supply, the transport of Russian oil via the Adria pipeline remains uncertain due to EU restrictions prohibiting tanker deliveries.
Source: TASR
