Slovakia considering options to become direct buyer of Russian oil (updated)

MOL Magyar Olaj es Gazipari Nyrt

15/05/2026 14:16

Adds quote, details from paragraph 3

May 15 (Reuters) - Slovakia is considering options to become a direct buyer of Russian oil, with purchases currently handled by Hungary’s MOL MOLB.BU, which owns Slovak refinery Slovnaft, Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Friday.

One option could see state pipeline operator Transpetrol assume the role of buyer, Fico said.

"I think it's not a bad idea if the Slovak Republic becomes a contracting party with the Russian Federation," Fico told a televised news conference.

Slovakia and Hungary both hold exemptions to European Union restrictions on
Russian oil imports
.

The bloc plans to phase out Russian supplies completely by late next year, a move made since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Slovakia has opposed the phaseout and has maintained relations with Russia.

Fico
visited Moscow
 this month, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would do everything to meet Slovakia's energy demand.

Slovakia receives Russian oil via the Soviet-built Druzhba pipeline and is also sourcing
alternative supplies
 through a pipeline from Croatia.

MOL had no immediate comment.

 (Reporting by Jan Lopatka and Jason Hovet in Prague, Editing by Louise Heavens)

 ((jason.hovet@thomsonreuters.com;))