Hungary and Slovakia Accuse Brussels Over Blocked Russian Oil Supplies

Hungary's foreign minister accused the European Commission of orchestrating an oil supply blockade by not mediating in a dispute involving Russian oil passing through Ukraine. Hungary and Slovakia have been affected since Ukraine sanctioned Russian oil producer Lukoil. The Commission denied any disruption, noting continued oil flow via the Druzhba pipeline.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto alleged on Saturday that the European Commission's refusal to mediate a dispute over blocked oil supplies from Russia via Ukraine indicates Brussels' involvement in the stoppage. Szijjarto's assertion, made without evidence, follows protests from Hungary and Slovakia, who have been affected since Ukraine placed Russian oil producer Lukoil on a sanctions list in June.

The dispute intensified after the European Commission declined to mediate between Hungary, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Szijjarto, speaking at a conservative political festival, suggested that Brussels had ordered Kyiv to create energy supply issues for Hungary and Slovakia. However, a Commission spokesperson stated there were no signs that Ukraine's sanctions endangered European energy supplies, as Russian oil continues to flow through the Druzhba pipeline connecting Russia to Slovakia and Hungary via Ukraine.

Faced with continued allegations, the European Commission has remained focused on gathering information about the situation. Both Hungary and Slovakia, who have opposed Western military aid to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia, rely heavily on the Druzhba pipeline for their oil supplies. Hungary's oil company MOL is reportedly finalizing a scheme to ensure continued crude oil flow from Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)