Discussions of Kazakh oil supplies via Druzhba pipeline to Hungary at early stage - Kazakh Energy Ministry

ASTANA. April 10 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan is still considering the possibility of supplying domestic oil to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline in 2025, though discussions are at the early stage, the country's Energy Ministry told Interfax.

"The matter is at the early stage of discussions, and oil supplies would depend on the economic attractiveness, the route, as well as the existence of agreements between the economic entities of the parties," the ministry said in response to a request for comment.

There were previous reports that Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry has been looking into demand among market participants for oil supplies to Hungary in order to determine a test volume of exports to the country.

"If there are requests from our oil producers, then we will provide the technical capability, conduct a test mode, and collaborate with our Hungarian and Russian colleagues to implement the transit. The technical capability and interest of the participants themselves are currently being studied," Kazakh Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev said earlier.

It became known in February that Astana and Budapest have agreed on supplies of Kazakh oil to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline, with an agreement being particularly reached on test deliveries during 2025.