Ukraine Resumes Oil Pumping Through Druzhba Pipeline; Deliveries to Slovakia Expected Thursday
Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková announced that the Ukrainian operator Ukrtransnafta has commenced the “pressurisation and filling” of the Druzhba pipeline. Deliveries to Slovakia are anticipated to resume on Thursday morning.
EU to Relax State Aid Rules and Introduce Consumer Support Amid Iran War Disruptions
The European Union will waive its state aid regulations to enable member states to support consumers facing the current cost of living crisis triggered by the Iran war. This includes allowing governments to issue energy vouchers and temporarily reduce excise duties for vulnerable households.
Emergency measures will also be permitted at the state level to assist industries confronting existential threats due to the sharp rise in oil prices.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen stated:
“This must be a wake up call and a turning point.”
He highlighted initiatives such as Austria’s support for removing gas boilers, Belgium’s reduced VAT, and Germany’s low electricity prices to encourage heat pump installations. France, which has experienced a 50% increase in electric car sales, plans to relaunch its social leasing program for EVs.
Additional measures aim to accelerate green infrastructure development for consumers and industry. These include enhancing the EU-wide grid through a legislative proposal on charges and taxes favorable to wind farms and renewable plants, including hydropower.
The EU will also facilitate public-private collaboration at a clean energy investment summit to expedite renewable energy production.
The European Commission emphasized:
“In the current crisis, speed and impact are paramount.”
Jørgensen added:
“When Europe steps away from fossil fuel dependence and steps toward clean energy autonomy. Because now it is more obvious than ever. Clean energy means security. It means affordability. It means independence.”
EU Plans Measures to Alleviate Consumer Pressure Amid Oil Crisis Linked to Iran War
Environment Commissioner Teresa Ribera announced that green energy production has reached record levels, noting that Spain is leading this progress.
She stated:
“Renewable energy generation in Spain reached a new record high in the first quarter of this year, 15% higher than in the first quarter of 2025.”
The European Commission aims to maintain “social fairness” during the crisis through five sets of actions under the package named ‘AccelerateEU.’
Measures include optimizing jet fuel distribution among EU countries to prevent shortages.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented:
“The choices we make today will shape our ability to face the challenges of today and the crises of tomorrow. Our AccelerateEU strategy will bring both immediate and more structural relief measures to European citizens and businesses.”
Nato Secretary General Rutte Calls for Increased Defence Production Amid Global Threats
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke in Turkey, emphasizing the need for increased defence production.
He stated:
“We live … in a more dangerous world, and that means we need strong defences to protect our security. We need the best capabilities. We need to incorporate the latest technology.”
Rutte explained that the alliance must prepare for multiple challenges, including Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, China’s military modernization and nuclear expansion, and Iran’s spread of terror and chaos.
His visit to Turkey is part of industry engagement ahead of Nato’s summit in Ankara in July.
Hungarian Oil Group MOL Confirms Druzhba Pipeline Ready to Resume Oil Deliveries
The Hungarian oil company MOL announced it received notification that repair work on the Druzhba pipeline has been completed, and force majeure conditions effective since 27 January 2026 ended as of 6 pm on 21 April 2026.
The company added:
“According to the notification, JSC Ukrtransnafta is ready to resume crude oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia.”
AFP reported a senior Kyiv official stating that oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline would restart “within a few hours.”
The timing of the EU’s decision on the related loan disbursement remains uncertain, pending actual oil flow resumption.
EU Nears Approval of €90bn Loan for Ukraine After Months of Hungarian Veto
Following four months of public disagreements between Ukraine and Hungary, the EU is close to approving a critical €90 billion loan for Kyiv for the second time.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil imports to Hungary and Slovakia, has been repaired and is ready for use. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas expressed optimism about a “positive decision” within 24 hours.
Ambassadors from the 27 EU member states convened to discuss the loan disbursement, previously blocked by Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The loan was initially agreed upon at the European Council in December. However, after a Russian missile damaged the pipeline and halted oil flows, Hungary withheld payments until deliveries resumed.
Although oil is not yet flowing, it could resume imminently. The incoming Hungarian government under Péter Magyar maintains the previous administration’s position that deliveries must restart before approving the payout.
The loan is urgently needed by Ukraine to fund its ongoing defense against Russia. Zelenskyy discussed his priorities with several EU leaders the previous evening.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Separately, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen is expected to comment on the potential impact of the Middle East crisis on the EU energy situation later this morning.
It is Wednesday, 22 April 2026. Jakub Krupa reporting for Europe Live.
