Hungary is considering cutting off electricity and gas shipments if the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline is not resumed. The announcement comes against a backdrop of growing energy and diplomatic tension, in which energy supply has become a weapon of geopolitical pressure.
A pipeline under fire and blockade
The Druzhba pipeline, key to refineries in Hungary and Slovakia, stopped operating on January 27. According to Kiev, the suspension was caused by a Russian drone attack that damaged the infrastructure, however, both Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of politically blocking the resumption of supply, which has generated a new front of conflict between European allies.
In the absence of supply, MOLthe Hungarian refining company, requested access to the country’s strategic reserves, which were released by the government. Slovakia, for its part, approved the use of 250,000 tons of oil from its state reserves. Both countries also suspended diesel exports to Ukraine as an additional measure of pressure.
Critical dependence on Ukraine
Data confirmed that Hungary and Slovakia together account for 68% of Ukraine’s imported energy supply so far this month. Hungary alone provides about a third of the gas currently imported by Kiev and with temperatures having fallen below -20°C in some Ukrainian regions, the power cut could have immediate humanitarian consequences.
Clash with the European Commission
Hungary and Slovakia have asked the European Commission to enforce an exemption that allows them to import Russian oil. import Russian oil by sea, despite by sea, despite the bloc’s sanctions. This would involve using the Adriatic pipeline through Croatia, a country that opposes the use of that route for transporting Russian crude. The energy tension thus extends to the community level, putting the EU’s energy cohesion policies to the test.
A multiple pressure scenario
Hungary and Slovakia, despite being members of the EU, have maintained a closer line with Russia over the past few years. The current situation reveals the fragility of European unity on energy and geopolitical issues, and how energy supply becomes a tool of pressure on all fronts.
Source: Reuters