Croatia’s Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar on Monday dismissed allegations that the country is an unreliable energy partner, asserting that the Adria oil pipeline stands ready to secure fuel supplies for Central Europe and end regional dependence on Russian crude.

The statement follows formal requests made on February 16 by Hungary and Slovakia to utilize the Adria route while the primary Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Ukraine, remains under disruption. 

Šušnjar characterized accusations of "war-time speculation" and claims of insufficient pipeline capacity as false, maintaining that Croatia’s transit tariffs remain transparent and market-based.

The Adria pipeline, which transports oil from the Adriatic coast through the Balkans, has emerged as a critical alternative for landlocked nations. Šušnjar emphasized that technical barriers to diversification no longer exist.

"The Adria pipeline is ready, so no EU country has any technical justification to stay tied to Russian oil," Šušnjar said. 

He noted that while Russian barrels may appear cheaper, the cost is offset by the ethical implications of the ongoing conflict. 

"It helps finance the war and attacks on the Ukrainian people. It’s time to end this war-time speculation."

The diplomatic tension underscores a rift within the European Union regarding energy transition. 

Hungary and Slovakia have historically relied on Russian energy, though both have recently initiated diversification efforts. 

Slovakia currently sources roughly one-third of its oil from non-Russian suppliers via the Adria route.

Hungarian officials expressed hope that Zagreb would provide stability without exerting "political pressure," a jab at recent disagreements involving transit through Ukraine.

 Šušnjar countered by stating that Croatia has acted responsibly and in accordance with EU law.

"No one should be left without fuel," Šušnjar added, stressing that accessibility remains the ministry's priority. 

While acknowledging that infrastructure cannot be overhauled overnight, he reiterated that Croatia is prepared to act as a guarantor for the region's energy security.

Adria pipeline has been one of the pipelines at the center of EU’s plan to cut dependence on Russian gas and end Druzhba pipeline dominance in Eastern Europe.

In May 2022, the bloc proposed a 2billion-euro investment to bolster Adria, Transalpine, and SPSE oil pipelines, which offer a viable alternative for the region.