Hungary’s oil and gas company MOL has taken a surprising step by indicating its interest in acquiring a stake in Croatia’s oil pipeline operator, Janaf.
The Adriatic pipeline could be Hungary’s energy lifeline
The Adriatic oil pipeline would offer a vital alternative to the Russian Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, especially amid the war in Ukraine and ongoing EU sanctions. The Hungarian government has long argued, however, that the Croatian section cannot fully supply Hungary and Slovakia, and that transit fees are unjustifiably high.
The Adriatic pipeline connects Central Europe to maritime transport routes through Croatia. (Illustration source: Depositphotos.com)
The Croatian side has repeatedly rejected these claims, insisting that the pipeline’s capacity is more than sufficient to meet both Hungary’s and Slovakia’s needs.
Talks between MOL and Janaf
According to Forbes Croatia, MOL and Janaf held another round of talks in Zagreb on Wednesday to clarify whether the Croatian section can indeed ensure a stable year-round supply for Hungarian and Slovak refineries.
Janaf’s management stated that the system is capable of transporting up to 14.7 million tonnes of crude oil per year — theoretically enough to cover both countries’ demand. Board member Vladislav Veselica said the company aims to reach an agreement in the coming weeks that would be acceptable to both sides. He added that Janaf is open to MOL’s proposals and believes that “the best international practices” could serve as models for future cooperation.
In response, MOL requested further technical tests to verify that the pipeline can deliver the required capacity throughout the entire year.
“Naturally, we are open to involving independent experts as well, but it’s important to emphasize that MOL bears responsibility for the refineries and the region’s energy security,” said the company’s spokesperson.
MOL’s new move on the Adriatic pipeline
Following the Zagreb meeting, MOL unexpectedly announced on Thursday that it would like to acquire a stake in Janaf, the Croatian operator of the Adriatic pipeline.
According to MOL, this step would follow a Western European model, where users — such as refineries or energy companies — hold ownership stakes in infrastructure to ensure fairer pricing and more reliable supply. However, the proposal was swiftly rejected. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that Janaf is not for sale and that the government has no plans to change its ownership structure.
“The Adriatic oil pipeline is not for sale. It was Croatian, and it will remain Croatian,” said Prime Minister Plenković.
He added that while Croatia intends to maintain strong commercial relations with MOL — ensuring fair prices and stable oil deliveries — ownership issues “are not on the agenda.” The prime minister also emphasized that Janaf is capable and ready to deliver sufficient crude oil to supply MOL’s refineries in Hungary and Slovakia.
Szijjártó: Hungary cannot rely on a single pipeline
Following MOL’s announcement and the Zagreb talks, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó also commented on the issue.
According to Index.hu, the minister told Parliament’s Economic Committee that Hungary’s energy policy cannot depend on a single route.
He reiterated his long-standing position that the Adriatic pipeline, in its current condition, cannot fully supply Hungary and Slovakia, and that Croatia’s transit fees have risen to several times the European average.
“We can chase dreams, but as long as oil needs a pipeline, two are better than one,” Szijjártó said, emphasizing that diversification remains the foundation of Hungary’s energy security.
