Resumption of Oil Flow: Ukraine Restores Druzhba Pipeline

Ukraine has repaired and resumed the Druzhba pipeline, ending a crude oil transit halt to Hungary and Slovakia since January due to a drone strike. Political tensions arose from alleged repair delays. With completion affirmed, oil transit is expected to restart, easing economic disruptions in the region.

Ukraine has successfully restored the Druzhba pipeline, which had suspended crude oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia since late January due to damage from a Russian drone attack. The halt had triggered political disagreements, with accusations of delay in repairs between Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

Following completed restoration work, JSC Ukrtransnafta, which operates the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline, officially informed Hungary's MOL group that oil transits would resume. This reinstatement is expected to alleviate the energy supply disruptions faced by Hungary and Slovakia.

The urgency to revive the flow was heightened after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy highlighted the crucial role of the pipeline amidst an EU loan dispute linked to its interruption. Hungary's newly elected leader, Peter Magyar, calls for cooperation to ensure resumption aligns with economic interests.