MOL files complaint to EU over Croatian pipeline fees

Friday 13 March 2026 - 21:00

Hungarian energy group MOL Group has lodged a complaint with the European Commission regarding the pricing policy of Croatian pipeline operator Jadranski Naftovod.

The complaint concerns what the company describes as excessive transportation fees applied to crude oil shipments through the Adriatic pipeline system. According to MOL, the charges imposed by the Croatian operator have risen significantly in recent months despite relatively stable operational costs.

The issue has gained importance following disruptions affecting the Druzhba pipeline, which has historically delivered Russian crude oil to landlocked countries in Central Europe. Supply interruptions earlier this year forced countries such as Hungary and Slovakia to rely more heavily on alternative transport routes through Croatia’s pipeline infrastructure.

MOL said that increased demand for shipments via the Adriatic route has led to a sharp rise in the volumes requested by the company and its Slovak subsidiary Slovnaft. However, the firm argues that the associated fees charged by the Croatian operator have increased disproportionately.

The Hungarian group claims the pricing structure is not justified by operating costs and has asked European regulators to review whether the policy complies with EU competition rules governing access to strategic energy infrastructure.

Energy supply routes have become increasingly sensitive across Europe in recent years as governments and companies seek to secure stable crude flows amid geopolitical tensions and shifting energy policies.

Croatian authorities have previously indicated their willingness to assist neighboring countries with oil supply logistics. However, discussions over the transport of Russian-origin crude through the Adriatic pipeline system have remained politically and commercially complex.

Analysts say the dispute reflects broader challenges facing Europe’s energy sector as infrastructure operators, refiners, and governments navigate changing supply chains and regulatory frameworks.