Ukraine may resume diesel imports from Hungary after the launch of the “Druzhba” pipeline, says Shmyhal
Ukraine expects to resume imports of petroleum products from Hungary once oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline resumes. Specifically, this involves the supply of diesel fuel, which could have a positive impact on prices.
This was stated by Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal following a meeting of the Ukraine Energy Coordination Group in Kyiv.
“I believe that the pipeline between Hungary and Ukraine should be used, especially given the current issues in the fuel market. Therefore, this will help us secure additional volumes and potentially lower the cost of diesel fuel thanks to pipeline transportation,” Shmyhal said.
According to the minister, resuming operations on the oil pipeline will allow for increased fuel supplies and potentially lower its cost for the Ukrainian market.
At the same time, he clarified that the government is not directly negotiating fuel imports, as this falls under the purview of commercial companies.
Nevertheless, plans are in place to discuss future supplies with Ukrtransnafta and the Hungarian company MOL.
Ukraine traditionally imports mainly diesel fuel from Hungary, which was previously supplied by rail and via the oil product pipeline.
Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the release of a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine is taking place in parallel with the resumption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, and that these processes are interrelated.
EU ambassadors approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and also agreed on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
The European Commission has finalized the key elements of a €90 billion financial support package for Ukraine for 2026–2027. The first tranche is expected to be disbursed as early as the second quarter of this year.
Von der Leyen assured that Ukraine will receive the loan from the EU.
