Croatia offers Hungary and Slovakia alternative to Russian oil
Photo: Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Hungary and Slovakia could replace Russian oil through imports via the Adriatic pipeline, with supply volumes sufficient to meet the needs of both countries, stated Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
Plenković stressed that Croatia could play a key role in ensuring stability for neighboring countries that remain dependent on Russian oil.
"Croatia today can guarantee both Hungary and Slovakia that we can supply them with more than 12 million tonnes of oil for all the needs of their refineries," the Prime Minister said.
He clarified that neither Hungary nor Slovakia faces any risk of an oil shortage. Croatia wants to help ensure the energy security of both countries.
Plenković also commented on US President Donald Trump’s demand for Europe to stop importing Russian oil.
"This is a good moment for the pressure his administration is exerting on all Russian clients. The message to the EU to stop buying Russian oil makes sense - if it is done properly, with alternative supply routes in place," the official said.
According to the Prime Minister, Croatia wants to play the role of an energy hub in the region.
Hungary’s justification
Earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed that US President Donald Trump had not asked his country to stop importing Russian oil.
Szijjártó argued that the capacity of the Croatian oil pipeline is insufficient to cover all the needs of Hungary and Slovakia.
