Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on Wednesday that construction of a new crude oil pipeline between Serbia and Hungary will commence either at the end of 2025 or early 2026, with operations set to begin in 2028. The announcement was made during a news conference in Belgrade, alongside Serbian Energy Minister Dubravka Dedovic Handanovic.
Szijjarto shared that Hungary has completed the preliminary examination phase of the project, noting that MOL Group, Hungary’s international oil and gas company, has also presented the study to both countries. Hungary has officially approved the plan, while Serbia has given the green light for the land needed for the construction.
The planned pipeline, which will stretch approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles), is set to be a significant regional investment. It will have an annual capacity of 4 to 5 million tons, and Serbia will be able to fulfill all its oil requirements through Hungary once operational.
Minister Handanovic expressed gratitude for Hungary’s support in this endeavor. The decision to build the pipeline was first announced in 2023 by both Serbia and Hungary.