Hungary’s energy company, MOL, may take legal action against JANAF, the Croatian operator of the Adria pipeline, if it does not “immediately” ensure access to Hungary for unsanctioned Russian oil shipments, according to a statement issued by MOL. JANAF replies that it operates responsibly and in full compliance with the applicable sanctions regimes of the European Union and the United States of America.
MOL argues that these shipments should be allowed since crude oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline have been suspended since 27 January. Additionally, Hungary and Slovakia were granted an exemption from the EU ban on Russian fossil fuels because of their landlocked status. “MOL expects a clear response from Janaf by today at the latest,” the statement said, adding that refusal could lead to a complaint to the European Commission and a claim for damages.
“Regarding the ultimatums addressed to JANAF, we consider it important to emphasise that discussions among partners and allies must be conducted in a professional manner, based on arguments and facts.
The security of supply for Hungary and Slovakia is not at any risk. The route via JANAF exists, is already in use and has sufficient capacity to meet their oil supply needs. This is also confirmed by Hungary itself, which is now requesting full transport via JANAF. However, until recently, it had unjustifiably claimed that such capacity did not exist,” the company announced.
Over the past week and this week, significant quantities of oil not subject to sanctions have already been transported to the Hungarian company MOL. By early April, a total of seven additional tankers are scheduled to arrive for the same user of JANAF’s oil pipeline system.
Croatia’s energy infrastructure is well-prepared and dependable, operating in full compliance with EU regulations and the guidelines established by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This is exemplified by JANAF’s collaboration with Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) in the Republic of Serbia, where partners diligently adhere to stringent sanctions criteria. This commitment ensures both the continuity of supply and compliance with the applicable regulatory framework, the company explains.
“Against this backdrop, we expect that procurement and transport decisions concerning Hungary and Slovakia will be made based on legality and sanctions compliance, rather than under pressure or ultimatums,” highlights JANAF.
“If there are requests relating to oil of Russian origin or to entities connected with Russia, they may be considered exclusively within the strict framework of EU and OFAC sanctions criteria, accompanied by full legal review, clear accountability and maximum transparency,” the company explains.
JANAF reiterates that Croatia does not refuse supply nor does it try to politicise energy. Croatia and JANAF facilitate supply in accordance with the regulations, consistently applying EU and US sanctions.
