Slovnaft: With Druzhba Out of Operation, Russian Oil Can Be Imported by Tankers

Bratislava, 20 February (TASR) - According to European and US sanctions, the Slovnaft refinery and its Hungarian parent MOL Group may import Russian oil by sea if the Druzhba pipeline isn't operational, Slovnaft spokesperson Anton Molnar stated on Friday in response to statements by Croatian economy minister Ante Susnjar, adding that the same rule also applies to Croatia. MOL, in cooperation with Slovnaft, is currently working towards obtaining oil from the widest possible range of sources, said Molnar. "We've ordered supplies from Saudi Arabia, Norway, Kazakhstan and Libya. The first tankers will arrive in Omisalj [the Croatian terminal] at the beginning of March," said Molnar, adding that the refinery is also using strategic reserves. "Thanks to diversified sources, we're able to maintain security of supply in the region even in this situation, but at the same time we're asking our Croatian partners for support by allowing the transit of all supplies," stated Molnar. As far as energy security in central and eastern Europe is concerned, past disputes must be set aside, said Slovnaft. The situation must be tackled together, with cool heads and a professional approach. Molnar stressed that Slovnaft and MOL Group have always complied strictly with all rules under sanctions and assessed all available options in a responsible manner. The capacity of the Adria pipeline, through which oil can be transported to Hungary and then to Slovakia, is an important question. Molnar said that Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary and the European Commission have agreed on professional and long-term capacity tests involving an independent international team of observers. "Once these are completed, we'll we have a clear picture of what is really possible with the Croatian section of the Adria pipeline. It makes no sense at this stage to work with figures that haven't undergone proper testing," stated Molnar. jrg/df