Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
Hungary Slovakia diesel exports Ukraine have stopped due to the suspension of Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline. Moreover, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced this on February 18 during separate briefings. At the same time, experts estimate that this will not affect the Ukrainian market, as these countries supply about 9% of imports, and alternative sources can compensate for the deficit.
Hungary Slovakia Diesel Exports Ukraine: Official Statements and Conditions
According to Szijjártó, Hungary has already suspended diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine. Furthermore, they will not resume until oil transportation via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary resumes.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also said that Slovnaft is stopping diesel fuel exports to Ukraine and other countries. Additionally, manufacturers will direct products exclusively to domestic needs. He suggested that the suspension of transit may be linked to a political decision by the Ukrainian authorities. Consequently, he warned that if authorities confirm such actions, Slovakia may reconsider its position on supporting Ukraine’s European integration and cooperation in the field of electricity supply.
In addition, the Slovak side sent Ukraine an official note demanding an explanation of the transit situation. Meanwhile, Fico also did not rule out that repair crews may have already fixed the damaged section of the Druzhba oil pipeline in the Brody area. Therefore, he announced his intention to contact the European Commission to verify the information.
Transit Resumption Timeline and Market Impact
At the same time, according to the Ukrainian Minister of Economy, officials have already postponed the resumption date for Russian oil transit several times: first, they set it for February 18, and now they set it for February 20.
Experts note that Hungary and Slovakia are important but not key suppliers of diesel fuel to Ukraine. Specifically, according to Sergey Kuyun, director of the A-95 consulting group, in 2025, these countries accounted for about 9% of diesel imports, or approximately 629,500 tons.
The Hungarian group MOL supplies diesel fuel and controls oil refineries in Hungary and Slovakia.
“I don’t think this will have any impact because, first, we have something to replace it with, and second, we have already been through this, particularly in the fall: there was no pumping for almost a month due to problems at plants in Hungary. It didn’t lead to anything. So, honestly, I wouldn’t worry too much about it — our market is quite diversified, and I think we will be able to stabilize it,” explains Kuyun.