The Hungarian government has announced the signing of an agreement with Serbia for the construction of a new oil pipeline that will facilitate the transportation of Russian crude oil to Serbian territory. This project, referred to in Budapest as an “oil bridge,” aims to connect Hungary’s pipeline system with Serbia’s oil refining infrastructure. According to Hungarian officials, the initiative seeks to reduce both countries’ vulnerability to disruptions in the energy market, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing APA.
During a joint government session, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized the strategic importance of this infrastructure project. He stated that the oil bridge would enhance energy security for both Serbia and Hungary. The plan includes the integration of both countries’ systems to ensure a continuous supply of crude oil, especially in scenarios where other supply routes might be blocked or unavailable.
The pipeline is expected to run from the Hungarian town of Algyő, cross through Serbia, and reach the refinery in Pančevo. Once operational, it will allow Serbia to receive Russian oil directly, which currently flows into Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline — one of the few remaining conduits still transporting Russian oil to Europe.
The project is being implemented amid ongoing warfare in Ukraine and the European Union’s sanctions policy, which includes restrictions on the import of Russian oil. Nevertheless, Hungary and Serbia maintain a pragmatic stance on energy matters and continue to uphold close relations with Moscow. Government representatives highlighted that their primary goal is economic stability rather than political symbolism.
According to Orbán, the plans also include the modernization of existing gas transport infrastructure. He noted the increasing importance of the Southern Gas Corridor, which runs through Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, and reaches Hungary. The Hungarian prime minister remarked that such routes are becoming increasingly vital given the current geopolitical context.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, in turn, underscored that the pipeline project would help prevent future energy crises. He said that ongoing supply disruptions or fuel shortages could have devastating consequences for national economies. The joint project with Hungary has been described as a safeguard for energy sector stability in the region.
Neither side disclosed specific timelines for the pipeline’s launch, but the agreements have taken effect following official signatures from both governments. Technical preparations for construction are expected to begin shortly. Hungary and Serbia advocate for deepening energy cooperation amid global shifts in raw material supply chains.
Earlier we wrote that Hungary and Slovakia sustain reliance on Russian energy despite viable alternatives.