economy
February 18, 2026
Croatia New Gateway for Russian Oil to Central Europe
Hungarian oil and gas company MOL announced that it has finalized the first contracts for the supply of Russian crude oil via an alternative route – by sea to Croatia, from where it will be transported via the Adriatic Pipeline to refineries in Hungary and Slovakia. This move comes after official Budapest accused Kyiv of attempting to exert political pressure by halting supplies through the "Druzhba" pipeline ahead of Hungary's parliamentary elections.
TL;DR
- MOL has signed contracts to receive Russian crude oil via an alternative sea route to Croatia.
- Deliveries will be transported through the Adriatic Pipeline to refineries in Hungary and Slovakia.
- This change follows Ukraine's suspension of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.
- Hungary's government accused Ukraine of using the pipeline suspension for political pressure.
- The new route aims to ensure supply stability and reduce dependence on a single corridor.
- Hungary and Slovakia requested Croatian authorities to facilitate sea-borne oil transport.
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