Czech Republic pays for Russian oil transit by Druzhba, expects supplies to resume Aug 12-13

MOSCOW. Aug 11 (Interfax) - Mero, the owner and operator of the Czech section of the Druzhba oil pipeline, expects Russian crude supplies to resume on Friday or Saturday, the Czech News Agency (CTK) said.

Hungary's MOL has taken the relevant steps and paid the oil transit fee, as a result of which the pipeline's southern leg is operating for Slovakia and Hungary. "Our customer told me that they are taking similar steps, so I expect that very soon - either tomorrow or, at the latest, the day after tomorrow oil will flow to us also," said Jaroslav Pantucek, chairman of the Mero board of directors.