MOL and Janaf Agree on Adria Pipeline Capacity Tests

Capacity Tests on Adria Pipeline

MOL Group and Janaf have agreed to conduct long-term capacity tests on the Adria pipeline. These tests will involve an international, independent monitoring team to evaluate the pipeline's peak and continuous transport performance under various weather conditions and seasons. The aim is to resolve ongoing debates about the pipeline's actual capacity, which has been reported to range between 11 and 15 million tonnes annually, despite only 2 million tonnes of crude oil being transported historically.

Russian Crude Oil Shipments

MOL is awaiting Janaf's response regarding the allowance of Russian crude oil shipments from the sea. Janaf has requested time to interpret existing EU sanctions regulations, which Croatia has supported. MOL argues that requiring separate EU and US permits for each shipment is impractical and would hinder continuous transportation. According to MOL, if a crude transport company and its cargo are not on EU and US sanctions lists, Janaf should permit the shipments to ensure regional supply security, especially if the Druzhba pipeline is non-operational.

Pricing Concerns and Supply Security

MOL has raised concerns about Janaf's pricing, claiming it charges several times the average European rate per 100 km, suggesting potential monopoly abuse. MOL emphasizes the need for two commercially competitive routes to ensure the region's security of supply. The Adria pipeline must be capable of meeting this demand, and MOL supports Ukraine's efforts to connect the Druzhba pipeline to the Black Sea by restarting the Odessa-Brody pipeline, enhancing the region's crude supply security.