Hungary announces restart of oil supplies via Druzhba pipeline
Photo: The Druzhba oil pipeline (wikipedia.org)
Oil transit to Hungary has resumed after a prolonged interruption, with first deliveries expected soon, according to Hungary’s Minister for EU Affairs, János Bóka.
"We managed to secure the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline," the minister said.
According to him, oil transit from Belarus toward Ukraine resumed on Wednesday, April 22, at around 11:35 a.m. The crude is expected to reach Hungary "as early as today, but no later than tomorrow morning."
"From the perspective of Hungary’s energy supply, it is vital that the Druzhba pipeline operates, and that our country can benefit from lawful, low-cost, and reliable procurement options," Bóka stressed.
The Hungarian minister also said that Budapest aims to diversify supply sources but not reduce existing routes.
"Diversification means greater security for households and businesses, and it is the only way to keep purchase prices at a level that makes the Hungarian economy competitive and ensures consumer protection," he explained.
At the same time, Bóka criticized Ukraine’s actions, saying the supply restrictions were politically motivated. According to him, Hungary’s position caused tensions within the EU, but Budapest considers its actions justified.
"Hungary’s energy security and affordable energy prices could not have been ensured by other means," he added.
The conflict over the Druzhba pipeline
In January, a Russian drone damaged a section of the pipeline in western Ukraine, suspending oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia.
Budapest and Bratislava accused Kyiv of delaying repairs, but the Ukrainian side denied these claims.
Amid the dispute, Hungary blocked EU aid to Ukraine.
The unblocking process is now underway: EU ambassadors have already preliminarily agreed on a €90 billion loan and the parameters of a new sanctions package. A final decision is expected on April 23.
