Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, announced the suspension of diesel fuel shipments to Ukraine until the resumption of operations on the Druzhba oil pipeline. This decision follows the cessation of oil supplies through the pipeline, which Szijjarto attributed to a political decision by Ukraine.
During a government meeting on Wednesday, Szijjarto reported on the oil supply situation in Hungary, noting that the country has sufficient strategic oil reserves to last for 96 days, alleviating immediate concerns about fuel shortages.
In light of the halted pipeline deliveries, Szijjarto stated, “We are stopping diesel fuel exports to Ukraine, and they will not resume until oil begins flowing again through the Druzhba pipeline.” He emphasized the need for a resolution to the pipeline’s operational status.
Additionally, Szijjarto revealed that the Hungarian company MOL has ordered initial shipments of Russian oil, which will be transported to Hungary via maritime routes through Croatia.
Experts in the fuel market believe that the lack of supplies from Hungary will not significantly impact Ukraine. Alexander Sirenko, an analyst from the consulting firm NaftoMarket, noted that the volumes previously supplied were minimal and can be compensated by other sources. He mentioned that the current period sees low diesel consumption, making it easier to find alternatives.
Sergey Kuyun, director of the consulting group A-95, echoed this sentiment, asserting that there should be no fuel supply issues. He pointed out that Hungarian and Slovak supplies account for less than 10% of the market and that Ukraine has managed without them in the past.
Since the onset of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, Hungary has continued to rely on Russian energy supplies, resisting calls to seek alternative sources. Last September, Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Hungary would not abandon Russian oil, citing concerns over the reliability of other supply options.
In previous instances, Hungarian and Slovak foreign ministers had lodged complaints with the European Commission regarding Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba pipeline, which is critical for oil deliveries to both countries.
The first attack on the Druzhba pipeline infrastructure occurred on August 13, 2025. Following this, Ukrainian forces targeted the Nikolskoye pumping station in Russia’s Tambov region on August 18, causing a fire and halting oil transport. Drones also struck the Unecha station, further disrupting supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. Subsequently, Szijjarto hinted at the possibility of halting electricity exports to Ukraine.
Hungary has ceased diesel exports to Ukraine due to disruptions in the Druzhba oil pipeline, a move attributed to political decisions by Ukraine. Experts suggest that this suspension will not critically affect Ukraine's fuel supply, as alternative sources are available.