Druzhba Pipeline Resumes Oil Deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia

Oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline have resumed, officials from both countries confirmed, following a temporary halt caused by a Ukrainian drone strike on a pumping station in Russia’s Tambov region.

Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, a major source of revenue for the Kremlin’s war efforts, with oil and gas sales contributing about a quarter of Russia’s state budget, The Caspian Post informs via foreign media.

Unlike most European Union nations, Slovakia and neighboring Hungary continue to rely heavily on Russian energy, receiving the majority of their crude via the Druzhba pipeline.

"The flow of oil to Slovakia is currently standard," Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said in a statement.

"In the coming days, we will have clearer information about whether there will be any adjustments to the supply schedule for this month ... However, I believe that given the rapid resumption of flow through the Druzhba pipeline, the impact will be minimal."

Oil deliveries to Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline have also restarted, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated.

"I have just thanked Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin for the swift rectification of the damages caused by the attack," Szijjarto wrote on Facebook.

Hungarian oil company MOL added in a statement that fuel production was not affected during the temporary suspension.

The Druzhba pipeline, originally built in the Soviet era, also experienced a brief shutdown in March after a Ukrainian strike on a metering station.