After a period of tension between Hungary and Croatia regarding crude oil transport, MOL Group, Hungary’s leading oil company, held a constructive meeting with the leadership of Janaf, the Croatian crude oil pipeline operator. The talks focused on ensuring a stable and sufficient supply of crude oil through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline. MOL requested that Janaf conduct appropriate tests to prove its ability to deliver enough crude oil every day of the year. MOL expressed full support for these tests and stated that it is open to involving external experts to guarantee transparency and accuracy in the process.
The Hungarian company stressed that maintaining supply security for its refineries and the region is its main responsibility. During the meeting, MOL proposed rebuilding their commercial relationship on new foundations, emphasizing predictable market conditions and competitive services. The company highlighted its ongoing commitment to transparent and market-based pricing, aiming to create a fair environment for all parties involved.
Regional Energy Security Takes Center Stage
MOL underlined the importance of having at least two high-capacity crude oil pipelines operating at competitive prices to safeguard regional supply security. This approach would ensure reliable oil delivery even in case of unforeseen incidents. Additionally, MOL suggested that Janaf should study successful ownership models from Western Europe, where consumer participation as owners has led to fair pricing and continuous availability of resources.
Stjepan Adanić, Chairman of Janaf’s Board of Directors, reported a change in atmosphere during recent negotiations. He described the talks with MOL Group’s delegation in Zagreb as calm and rational. According to Adanić, tensions between Hungary and Croatia eased following a discussion between Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at the EU summit in Copenhagen, where they addressed issues related to Hungary’s crude oil supply via the Janaf pipeline.
Open Dialogue with Regional Partners
Janaf’s strategic importance extends beyond Croatia to the wider region’s energy supply. The company remains open to dialogue not only with MOL but also with Serbia’s NIS, despite NIS being under American sanctions due to Russian ownership. Board member Vladislav Veselica described the talks as partnership-oriented and expressed optimism that both sides could reach an agreement within weeks. The next meeting is scheduled for late October in Zagreb.
Veselica highlighted Janaf’s ongoing cooperation with MOL since 2013 and confirmed that project assessments show Janaf can fully supply both of MOL’s refineries. The company’s annual capacity stands at 14.78 million tons, depending on crude oil density. He noted that if MOL purchases 11 million tons annually, Janaf’s tariff will be extremely competitive compared to other pipelines such as Druzhba.
Sanctions Impact and Long-Term Partnership Outlook
Regarding Serbian NIS, Veselica explained that Janaf received a new permit to continue transporting crude oil until October 15 after previous sanction exemptions expired. He admitted that losing NIS as a customer would make it difficult for Janaf to compensate for lost revenue but remained confident about future prospects. Veselica believes that starting from 2027, Janaf will become one of MOL Group’s key partners in the region.
This latest round of negotiations signals a positive shift toward strengthened cooperation between Hungary and Croatia on energy security. With both companies committed to transparent practices and competitive pricing, there is hope for a more stable and reliable oil supply network across Central Europe.
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