Janaf and MOL finalize 2026 crude oil transport deal amid past disputes

Jadranski Naftovod (Janaf), Croatia's oil transport company, has finalized a contract with MOL Group for the transport of 2.05 million tons of crude oil throughout 2026. The agreement, effective from January 1, 2026, operates on a "take or pay" principle, meaning MOL will pay for the contracted transport capacity regardless of actual usage.

Negotiations were reportedly contentious, with MOL previously expressing dissatisfaction with Janaf's service prices, deeming them too high. MOL also questioned Janaf's technical capabilities, labeling the company an unreliable partner for its refineries. Janaf refuted these claims, asserting that its pricing is transparent and applied equally to all users, dependent on transport distance and oil volumes. The company also noted that booking larger capacities would reduce transport costs.

The negotiations carried a political undertone. Following Ukraine's decision to restrict Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, which made Croatia an alternative route, Hungary's then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government accused Croatia of "war profiteering." These accusations stemmed from the fact that EU sanctions against Russia significantly complicated Hungary's land-based supply of Russian crude oil. The Croatian government and its Economy Ministry dismissed these claims, emphasizing that Croatia operates on commercial principles and in the spirit of mutual cooperation and assistance.