Hungarian oil and gas company MOL Group has accused JANAF of violating EU regulations by refusing to transport Russian crude oil not covered by sanctions, leading to a governmental response from Croatian Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar.
MOL Group, a Hungarian oil and gas conglomerate, has leveled serious accusations against Croatia's oil transport company JANAF, claiming that its refusal to transport certain shipments of Russian crude oil constitutes a violation of European Union regulations. This crude oil is not subject to current EU and U.S. sanctions. MOL has demanded that JANAF confirm by February 27th that it will allow the passage of these shipments arriving by sea to Europe. Failure to comply could result in MOL approaching the European Commission and initiating legal actions for damages.
In its statement from Budapest, MOL argues that current disruptions in the supply of crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline necessitate alternative routes for importing Russian crude oil. They state that according to EU regulations, if a member state that lacks maritime access faces supply interruptions due to factors beyond its control, it is permitted to import crude oil by sea. This situation has highlighted a critical contention between multinational oil companies and local transport entities, signaling possible repercussions if an agreement cannot be reached.
Croatian Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar has responded to MOL's claims, firmly denying any wrongdoing on JANAF's part. Šušnjar’s comments indicate both a defense of Croatian interests and a rejection of what he terms MOL's attempts at intimidation. This scenario underscores the ongoing complexities and geopolitical tensions surrounding energy supplies in Central Europe, especially in the context of fluctuating relations between the EU, Russia, and energy producers like MOL.
