The Hungarian energy company MOL is preparing its oil refineries for a possible transition to non-Russian oil, which is planned to be supplied through Croatia. The preparation is ongoing against the backdrop of the approaching end of the U.S. sanctions waiver for oil purchases from Russian companies "Lukoil" and "Rosneft".
Anita Orbán, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, told in an interview with Telex, published on November 3.
According to the minister, the U.S. has granted Hungary a temporary exemption from sanctions restrictions on purchases of Russian oil, which is valid until November 21, 2026. It applies to supplies from "Lukoil" and "Rosneft".
Meanwhile, MOL is already working on technological preparation of its refineries to use non-Russian raw materials.
One of the main alternative routes is the Croatian JANAF oil pipeline, through which oil can be delivered to Hungary from the south.
Orbán emphasized the need to ensure sufficient capacity of this route for stable supply of raw materials to refineries in Százhalombatta, Hungary, and Bratislava, Slovakia.
However, the minister did not specify when MOL will complete the technological preparation of the enterprises and in what volumes the company will be able to replace Russian oil. The end of the U.S. waiver on November 21 should not be equated with an automatic cessation of all Russian oil imports to Hungary.
In parallel, Budapest is preparing to completely stop importing Russian natural gas in accordance with European Union requirements.
Anita Orbán confirmed that the EU-set deadline for ending such supplies is autumn 2027.
According to an, the ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas under long-term contracts will take effect from January 1, 2027. For pipeline gas, September 30, 2027 has been set, with the possibility of extending the transition period until November 1 under established conditions.
To replace Russian gas, Hungary is considering expanding access to liquefied gas terminals in Croatia, Greece, Poland and Lithuania. Azerbaijani gas via the North-South energy corridor is also mentioned as a possible source of supply.
According to the minister, the existing interstate gas pipeline connections are insufficient for guaranteed access to all alternative sources. Therefore, investments in increasing the capacity of individual gas pipelines and LNG terminals may be needed for diversification.
Earlier it that Hungary expects to meet its gas needs without Russian supplies by autumn 2027. Now the Hungarian government confirms this target and reveals additional details of preparing the oil infrastructure to work with other suppliers.
