Slovakia Restores Russian Oil Imports via „Druzhba“ Pipeline: Infrastructure Damage Resolved, Supply Stabilizes
Slovakia continues to monitor closely the situation surrounding the supply of Russian oil through the strategic „Druzhba“ pipeline, one of the key routes for energy resource import into the country.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková, oil deliveries are currently proceeding normally without significant interruptions, although the situation remains fluid and subject to future changes.
She announced that in the coming days, authorities will receive additional information regarding potential adjustments to the supply schedule, which was disrupted due to infrastructure damages, specifically the transformer station in Russia, which caused a halt in oil flow on August 18.
While official statements highlight that this was the second incident within a week, it underscores vulnerabilities in the regional energy infrastructure and potential risks to supply stability.
The disruptions follow Ukrainian military strikes on the „Nikolskoye“ oil pumping station in Tambov Oblast, Russia, on August 18, which escalated tensions in the region.
Hungary, which also relies on this pipeline, has signaled intentions to resume Russian oil imports following reports of infrastructure damages.
The European Commission clarified that attacks on the „Druzhba“ pipeline do not affect oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia; both countries have maintained their deliveries as usual.
On the night of August 19, Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó announced the reopening of Russian oil supplies through „Druzhba,“ confirming the stabilization of the situation.
Overall, oil supplies are currently stable, despite previous damages and military tensions, raising ongoing concerns regarding regional energy security.