Slovak officials say fuel supplies remain stable, with the Slovnaft refinery operating at full capacity, while the government prepares to ease some restrictions on diesel purchases introduced during the oil crisis. During a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Robert Fico said that fuel availability is secure and that Slovnaft continues supplying Hungary and the Czech Republic, although it does not export diesel to Ukraine. The government is also considering extending certain emergency measures while adjusting limits on how much diesel can be purchased per transaction.
The cabinet confirmed that the €400 cap on diesel refueling in vehicle tanks will be removed from April 17, while a separate restriction limiting purchases in portable containers to 10 liters will remain in place for another 30 days. At the same time, the government plans to extend a system of special fuel pricing at Slovak petrol stations. Officials noted that Slovnaft has informed the state that supply stability is ensured, even as the refinery operates under constraints due to the absence of Russian crude oil, which it was originally designed to process.
Energy policy discussions also included Slovakia’s ongoing efforts to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline, with Fico saying the government is monitoring political developments in Hungary and seeking dialogue with its new leadership. He also dismissed Ukrainian statements about a possible resolution to supply issues, calling them unreliable. Meanwhile, Economy Minister Denisa Saková said the European Commission is preparing a new energy package aimed at both short- and long-term crisis responses, though she cautioned it may not be as decisive as expected, despite offering member states greater flexibility.
Slovnaft chairman Gabriel Szabó confirmed that the refinery is operating at near-maximum capacity using alternative crude sources such as oil from Libya and Saudi Arabia. He noted that full technological adaptation away from Russian oil is expected to be completed by 2027, after which Slovnaft should be able to operate at 100% capacity with non-Russian crude. Despite current constraints, the government and refinery management say fuel deliveries to Slovak petrol stations remain secure.
The government’s earlier emergency fuel measures, including differentiated pricing for domestic and foreign motorists, remain partially in force, though they have drawn criticism from the European Commission for potentially violating EU law. Officials say they will continue adjusting the system as needed while balancing supply security, refinery capacity limits, and ongoing geopolitical pressures.
Source: TASR
