Hungary announced the immediate suspension of diesel shipments to Ukraine and clarified that the measure will remain in place until the transport of crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline is restored. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto announced this today. At a press conference following a government meeting, Szijjarto explained that the suspension will be in effect until Ukraine resumes crude oil transport through the pipeline. According to the minister, the crude flow was interrupted on January 27. The Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil through Ukraine to Central Europe, has suffered repeated interruptions since last year due to damage to energy infrastructure linked to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to the Argentine News Agency. Despite the halt in diesel exports, Szijjarto stated that Hungary's domestic energy supply is guaranteed. The country has strategic reserves exceeding three months, and authorities have already begun assessing their potential use. Hungary and Slovakia, both dependent on Druzhba, notified the European Commission of their intention to use European Union provisions that allow for the maritime import of Russian crude oil if pipeline supply fails. The Hungarian energy company MOL has already ordered the necessary volumes for maritime transport. The minister noted that shipments arriving via Croatia could be available by mid-March, provided the relevant EU regulations are applied. On social media, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán described Ukraine's actions as 'blackmail against Hungary' and assured that, despite the difficulties, the country's crude oil supply remains stable.
