Hungarian company MOL, which also owns the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava, has been buying Russian oil at a discount, resulting in lower costs compared to buying Brent crude. However, the company has not disclosed the terms of its contracts with Russian suppliers, leaving analysts uncertain about the exact price difference. It is generally accepted that the price of Russian oil has been lower than the market rate, but the specific savings remain undisclosed, with estimates suggesting discounts around $4 to $5 per barrel.

Recent data from the Czech Petroleum Association shows that last Monday, gasoline in Slovakia was priced at an equivalent of 35.76 CZK per liter and diesel at 35.59 CZK. This means Slovak drivers paid 2.60 CZK more for gasoline than their counterparts in the Czech Republic, where the average price was 33.18 CZK. For diesel, Slovaks paid 2.84 CZK more per liter compared to Czechs. The price variations raise concerns about the pricing strategies in the region, particularly for consumers who might expect benefits from the lower-cost oil purchases.

This situation further exacerbates the issue of energy prices in Central Europe, particularly amidst the ongoing geopolitical tension affecting the oil market. While the discounted Russian oil was expected to provide relief to Slovak and Hungarian consumers, the opposite seems to be occurring, with both countries experiencing higher fuel prices than in the Czech Republic. The discrepancy highlights the complexities of energy procurement and pricing in today’s volatile market, forcing consumers to navigate rising costs regardless of the origins of their fuel supply.