Slovakia has released 250,000 tonnes of emergency oil reserves to supply its Slovnaft refinery after Russian crude shipments through the Druzhba pipeline were halted via Ukraine. Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the measure as the country scrambles to secure alternative oil supplies.

This emergency release comes after Ukraine blocked Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, cutting off a major supply route to Central Europe. The Slovnaft refinery, Slovakia's largest oil processing facility, depends heavily on Russian crude and processes about 115,000 barrels per day. The disruption threatens to impact fuel production and regional energy security.

The government's decision to tap emergency reserves highlights the vulnerability of European energy infrastructure to geopolitical tensions. While the immediate supply crisis may be addressed, questions remain about long-term energy security and the pace of transitioning away from Russian oil dependence.