MOL Group has announced that Hungary will begin testing an alternative to the Druzhba oil pipeline starting March 11, a process expected to last for ten months. This initiative comes as part of a collaboration with Croatia's oil pipeline operator, JANAF, and aims to assess the infrastructure's stability and capacity under varying weather conditions and different oil types throughout the seasons. Initially, the pipeline will not operate at full capacity, primarily due to the limitations of the Danube refinery in Budapest, which restricts maximum throughput until necessary upgrades are completed later this year.

The testing will be conducted in multiple phases, focusing on ensuring reliable and long-term output as Hungary attempts to diversify its oil supply routes amidst the ongoing changes in the energy landscape across Europe. The Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava is currently running at 100% capacity but cannot fully utilize the alternative pipeline's potential until the AV-3 facility is restored, which is anticipated to occur in the fall. The ability to transport up to 40,000 tons of crude oil per day lies at the heart of enhancing Hungary's energy infrastructure resilience.

MOL Group's Danube refinery is among the largest in Central and Eastern Europe, boasting a daily processing capacity of 165,000 barrels, equating to an annual processing capability of 8.1 million barrels. As Europe seeks to navigate the ongoing energy crisis and reduce reliance on Russian oil, Hungary's initiative represents a significant step towards energy diversification, showcasing how the region is adapting to meet its energy demands in a more secure and sustainable manner.