Slovakia Says US Understands Need to Import Russian Oil and Gas

The US expressed “absolute understanding” of Slovakia’s need to keep importing Russian oil and gas until the end of 2027, Economy Minister Denisa Sakova said.

Slovakia is working to wean itself off Moscow’s fossil fuels, but the country will need an exemption from potential US sanctions when it continues to take delivery of Russian oil next year, according to Sakova. At the same time, Slovakia must stop importing Russian gas by autumn 2027 under a European Union-wide ban.

“US side expressed absolute understanding of our situation, and understanding with the timeline as well, how we want to diversify supplies to Slovakia,” Sakova told reporters in Bratislava on Friday. “We need this opening at least by the end of 2027.”

Sakova held talks in Washington this week with Jarrod Agen, executive director of the White House’s National Energy Dominance Council, and US Treasury Deputy Secretary Francis Brooke.

To replace supplies from Russian gas giant Gazprom PJSC, Slovakia plans to secure a medium- or long-term contract for roughly 1 billion cubic meters a year. Algeria, Azerbaijan and the US are among the potential suppliers for what would be around of third of the volumes required by state-owned gas provider Slovensky Plynarensky Priemysel, Sakova said.

Slovakia’s gas storage reached 17.5 terawatt-hours on Oct. 6, equal to 35% of annual national consumption and in line with EU requirements. That means the country is ready for the coming winter, Sakova said.