The European Commission has stated that there is no short-term risk to oil supply in Hungary and Slovakia after a halt of Russian oil flows through Ukraine, as both countries have sufficient emergency reserves.
The European Commission has reassured that Hungary and Slovakia are not facing immediate risks regarding their oil supply following a disruption of Russian oil flows through Ukraine. This disruption was attributed to a Russian attack on a Ukrainian pipeline, which has ceased the transfer of oil to Eastern Europe since January 27, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. In response, Hungary has accused Ukraine of cutting off electricity to the affected section of the Druzhba pipeline, which services both Hungary and Slovakia.
A spokesperson from the European Commission stated that both Hungary and Slovakia possess emergency reserves adequate for 90 days, ensuring their supply security in the short term. This reassurance comes at a crucial time when the ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflict in Ukraine are impacting energy supplies across Europe. Brussels has been in touch with Ukrainian officials regarding the timeline for restoring oil flows, signaling a proactive approach to addressing potential disruptions.
The situation highlights the complexities of energy security in Europe, particularly given the reliance on Russian oil and the challenges posed by the conflict in Ukraine. Effective communication and cooperation between the EU, Ukraine, and the affected member states will be essential in mitigating the impacts of such disruptions in the future, thereby ensuring a stable energy supply for Hungary, Slovakia, and beyond.
