Slovnaft, a Slovak oil refinery, has ordered seven tankers carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia, Norway, Kazakhstan, and Libya to facilitate its operations. The crude oil is set to arrive at a Croatian port as announced by the refinery's president, Gabriel Szabo. This strategic move allows Slovnaft, which is part of the Hungarian MOL Group, to restore full operations by April, with limited production expected until then as oil is supplied from Slovak strategic reserves.

In contrast to the sourcing strategies of Slovnaft, tensions rise politically as Hungarian officials impose conditions on the export of diesel fuel to Ukraine. Peter Szijjártó, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared that deliveries of diesel to Ukraine would not resume unless the country restarted oil transport through the Druzhba pipeline, emphasizing Hungary's role in supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression over the past four years.

This blackmailing strategy by Hungary reflects a complex web of geopolitical maneuvering where energy supplies are utilized as leverage in international relations. As Slovakia secures alternative oil supplies, the implications for Hungary’s approach to its neighbor Ukraine become critical, highlighting the intertwining of energy dependence and diplomatic negotiations in the region.