New Pipeline to Redefine Fuel Logistics between Slovakia and Hungary

Construction has begun on the Hungarian-Slovakian pipeline, that will complete the connection between the Slovnaft and Danube refineries. Once operational, the pipeline will be capable of transporting gas oil volumes equal to roughly one-third of domestic consumption. As a result, MOL views the long-term oil supply to its Slovak subsidiary as secure.

Domestic oil pipeline depots are gradually filling up, and work has already begun on laying the pipes along the route planned for MOL’s new product pipeline. The pipeline will be used to deliver large quantities of gas oil in particular, but also gasoline and other oil products to Hungary.

As Világgazdaság reports, based on the inscriptions on the pipes, they were manufactured by Izostal and Ferrum, both Polish companies. The pipes arrived (or are still arriving) at the Csepel Free Port, from where they will be transported to two dozen depots in over 500 loads.

The laying of the pipes and the associated work are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. However, due to the scope and complexity of the planned investment, the deadlines may vary significantly. The complexity arises from the fact that the route affects several dozen Hungarian towns, crosses roads, waterways, railway lines, and other structures, and bypasses or approaches facilities.

The purpose of the pipeline construction is to connect the Slovakian and Hungarian systems.

As this investment will achieve this goal, MOL does not intend to continue the pipeline. If necessary, the products supplied by Slovnaft can be transported via the existing pipeline from the product pipeline’s operating center in the area of the Danube Refinery in Százhalombatta (near Budapest) to other consumption points in the country, such as Tiszaújváros (northern Hungary) or Szajol (central Hungary). Currently, gas oil is transported by rail between Tiszaújváros and Tiszapalkonya, as well as Bratislava. To this end, MOL has invested in the local industrial tracks, which are operated by Rail Cargo Hungaria.

The capacity of the pipeline to be built is 1.65 million tons per year.

In accordance with the plans, MOL will use this pipeline to import motor diesel fuel, motor gasoline, chemical gasoline, and possibly chemical diesel fuel at a later stage. The diesel fuel will not contain any biological components. It is expected that at least twice as much diesel fuel will be delivered as gasoline.

According to public documentation, the advantages of the one-way connection between MOL’s refineries in Bratislava and Százhalombatta, i.e., the connection from Slovakia, are as follows:

• Shipping traffic on the Danube will be reduced by 200,000 tons of cargo per year.
• The loading and unloading of 200,000 tons on the Danube will be eliminated.
• 1.5 million tons of rail transport, including associated loading and unloading, will be replaced annually.

The above data shows that at least 1.1 million tons of gas oil are to be delivered from Slovakia to Hungary annually. This corresponds to more than one-third of total annual domestic consumption. This is based on the fact that, according to data from the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), approximately 3.5 billion tons of gas oil were consumed in Hungary in 2024, that is equivalent to almost 3 million tons.

The pipeline guarantees energy supply and diversification of raw materials in Hungary.

To ensure the delivery of oil products to Hungary, the pressure on the Slovak section of the pipeline will be increased. No pumps are required on the Hungarian side.

Thanks to this investment, MOL is confident that supplies to its Slovakian subsidiary will remain stable even in the difficult situation caused by the sanctions against Russia.

Via Világgazdaság, Featured image: Pixabay

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