The Slovak government has declared a state of emergency in response to a burgeoning oil deficit influenced by the war in Ukraine. This emergency status, effective from Thursday, will allow the repurposing of oil reserves to support the Slovnaft refinery, aiming to avert disruptions in fuel supply across the country. The oil deliveries from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline, which traverses Ukrainian territory, have been halted since the end of January, escalating the situation in Slovakia.

As a provisional measure, Slovnaft will now source part of its oil requirements from Croatia through a pipeline that runs through Hungary, though full capacity from this route is expected to become operational only after 20-30 days. The Slovak government is taking proactive steps to ensure that fuel stations do not face critical shortages, which could precipitate wider economic ramifications if not addressed promptly. Messages from the government highlight the urgency and gravity of the energy supply challenges facing the nation.

Moreover, Slovnaft has decided to cease oil supplies to Ukraine temporarily, redirecting all available resources to meet domestic needs. This reflects the broader regional issues arising from the conflict in Ukraine, threatening supply chains and regional energy security. The situation underscores the intricate ties between geopolitics and energy supplies in Europe, as countries navigate the repercussions of this ongoing conflict.