The Slovak government has decided to release emergency oil reserves due to the halt of operations on the Druzhba pipeline, which has not been delivering oil to Slovakia and Hungary since January 27th following a Russian drone attack near Brody that damaged the pipeline. This disruption has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and continuity of oil supplies, necessary for the functioning of refineries in the region. Reports indicate that this situation was only made public over two weeks after the pipeline ceased operations, prompting criticism regarding the government's transparency and communication strategies during this crisis.

Critics of the Slovak and Hungarian governments have pointed to their silence on this critical issue, suggesting that their close ties with Moscow might have influenced their decision to withhold information regarding the oil supply disruption. The lack of public communication about such a strategically vital commodity has sparked calls for greater accountability from government officials, especially in a time when energy security is paramount due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The emergency reserves are expected to sustain normal operations at Slovnaft for about a month while the government awaits alternative oil deliveries by tanker routes across the Adriatic Sea.

This development is significant not only for Slovakia's energy security but also highlights the broader impact of geopolitical events on regional energy supplies. The situation emphasizes the need for transparency from governments during crises that affect strategic resources like oil, and raises questions about the preparedness of nations that are reliant on single pipeline systems for their energy needs.