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Extraordinary Meeting of the NESO Oil Security Commission on 31 March 2026
The NESO Oil Security Commission (hereinafter the “Commission”) held an extraordinary meeting on 31 March 2026 to assess the current situation on the market for crude oil and petroleum products in the context of Resolution of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 64/2026, to evaluate the measures adopted by Government Regulation No. 42/2026, and to discuss proposals for further steps to ensure the oil security of the Slovak Republic.
The meeting discussed information on the timetable for the return of the full volume of crude oil borrowed from the emergency stocks by the Slovak refinery SLOVNAFT, a.s. Refinery representatives stated that they plan to return the remaining part of the borrowed emergency oil stocks by 7 April 2026 at the latest. They also informed those present that the refinery has ordered sufficient crude oil and expects the refinery to be fully operational from approximately 15 April 2026.
Subsequently, the measures adopted by Government Regulation of the Slovak Republic No. 42/2026 were evaluated by representatives of the petroleum industry as well as representatives of state administration bodies. The Commission concluded that the situation is being monitored in detail and evaluated on a regular basis.
The Commission will continue to monitor the situation regularly and stands ready to respond promptly to developments in the supply of crude oil to the Slovak market.
Crude Oil Deliveries to Slovnaft Continue as Planned
Deliveries of crude oil to Slovnaft began under the first release order on Saturday 7 March 2026; between 7 and 11 March 2026, a total of 40,000 tonnes of crude oil were released from the stocks at the Bratislava terminal.
These deliveries were followed by a further release on 12 and 13 March 2026, when an additional 30,000 tonnes of crude oil were released from the Tupá terminal.
These volumes form part of the 250,000 tonnes of crude oil approved by the Government to ensure the continuity of crude oil processing at Slovnaft.
As of today, 16 March 2026, no further release of crude oil from the emergency stocks is taking place.
The Administration of State Material Reserves Launches the Release of Emergency Oil Stocks
The Administration of State Material Reserves of the Slovak Republic (ASMR SR) is taking steps to release part of the emergency crude oil stocks in accordance with Resolution of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 64/2026. The measure is intended to ensure the stability of supplies of crude oil and the continuity of oil processing in Slovakia.
The release of crude oil itself is carried out through the Agency for Emergency Stocks of Oil and Petroleum Products. The first release order provides for the delivery of 12,000 tonnes of crude oil to SLOVNAFT, with deliveries starting on 7 March 2026.
The Chairman of the Administration of State Material Reserves of the SR underlined the importance of a coordinated approach by the state: “The Administration of State Material Reserves is fulfilling its key role in protecting the energy security of the Slovak Republic. The release of part of the emergency oil stocks is being carried out on the basis of a Government decision and in close cooperation with the Agency for Emergency Stocks of Oil and Petroleum Products, so as to preserve market stability and security of supply,” said the Chairman of the ASMR SR.
Declaration of a State of Oil Emergency
By Resolution No. 64/2026 adopted at its 128th session on 18 February 2026, the Government of the Slovak Republic approved the proposal of the Administration of State Material Reserves of the Slovak Republic to declare a state of oil emergency and to release emergency crude oil stocks in the form of a loan to SLOVNAFT, a. s., on the basis of which the following is declared:
a state of oil emergency throughout the entire territory of the Slovak Republic
from 19 February 2026, 00:00 hrs
The state of oil emergency is declared in accordance with Section 13(1) and (2) of Act No. 218/2013 Coll. on Emergency Stocks of Oil and Petroleum Products and on Addressing a State of Oil Emergency, and on Amendments to Certain Acts, as amended, and remains in force until revoked.
Extraordinary Meeting of the NESO Oil Security Commission on 16 February 2026
The NESO Oil Security Commission (hereinafter the “Commission”) held an extraordinary meeting this afternoon in connection with the temporary interruption of crude oil deliveries to the territory of the Slovak Republic via the Druzhba pipeline.
The meeting discussed up-to-date information from the Slovak refinery Slovnaft, a.s., from Transpetrol, a.s., the operator of the oil pipeline infrastructure, and from other parties concerned. The Commission concluded that the situation is being monitored in detail and evaluated on a regular basis.
As part of the preventive measures adopted to ensure the continuity of supply to the Slovak market, the Slovak refinery presented a request for a loan of part of the emergency crude oil stocks, which would be drawn gradually, exclusively for the needs of the Slovak market and only for the period strictly necessary.
The aim of this approach is to ensure smooth and stable supplies of petroleum products to the Slovak market so that Slovak consumers are not affected.
The members of the Commission endorsed the request of Slovnaft, a.s. and recommended that the Chairman of the Administration of State Material Reserves of the SR proceed in the matter in accordance with Act No. 218/2013 Coll. on Emergency Stocks of Oil and Petroleum Products and on Addressing a State of Oil Emergency, and on Amendments to Certain Acts, as amended.
The Slovak Republic holds sufficient emergency stocks of oil and petroleum products in accordance with Slovak and European legislation, and any use of these stocks will take place in accordance with the applicable legal regulations.
Supplies of motor fuels to the public and to the economy are in no way at risk. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation regularly and stands ready to respond promptly to developments in the supply of crude oil to the Slovak market.
We fully assure the public that there is no cause for concern and that the oil security of the Slovak Republic is ensured.
The ASMR SR Stands Ready to Release Emergency Stocks; Oil Supply Is Not at Risk
On Friday 13 February 2026, the Administration of State Material Reserves of the Slovak Republic (ASMR SR) was informed by the Slovak refinery of an outage of crude oil deliveries to the territory of the Slovak Republic via the Druzhba pipeline.
In response to this information, the ASMR SR immediately activated the relevant measures within its remit and, on the same day, promptly convened an extraordinary meeting of the NESO Oil Security Commission for the next working day, i.e. Monday 16 February 2026.
The purpose of the extraordinary meeting of the NESO Oil Security Commission is to discuss the current situation regarding the outage of crude oil deliveries to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, to assess the level of potential threat, and to analyse further steps to secure crude oil deliveries to the territory of the Slovak Republic.
The Slovak Republic holds sufficient emergency stocks of oil and petroleum products to the extent required by the applicable national and European legislation. At present, the continuity of supply of oil and petroleum products to the market is not at risk, either for the public or for the strategic sectors of the Slovak economy.
The Administration of State Material Reserves of the Slovak Republic is fully prepared, if necessary and subject to the approval of the Government of the Slovak Republic, to release the required volume of emergency stocks so as to ensure market stability and continuity of supply.
The Administration of State Material Reserves of the SR continues to monitor the situation closely, communicates continuously with all parties concerned, and is prepared to take all necessary measures in accordance with the applicable legislation should further developments so require.
Meeting of the NESO Oil Security Commission
On 18 June 2025, the 2025 meeting of the NESO Oil Security Commission took place at the premises of the Administration of State Material Reserves. The Commission is an advisory body to the Chairman of the ASMR SR for preventing and addressing a state of oil emergency, and its members include representatives of state authorities, the petroleum industry and the Agency for Emergency Stocks of Oil and Petroleum Products.
Those present were briefed on the current state of emergency stocks of oil and petroleum products, on the manner of securing the minimum limit of emergency stocks from 1 July 2025, and on developments in motor fuel consumption in the Slovak Republic. In addition to this regular overview, an important item on the agenda was up-to-date information on the Roadmap for ending energy imports from Russia and the related challenges for Slovakia.
The Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Received the Chairman of the Administration of State Material Reserves at the Government Office
On 9 April 2025, the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, met with the Chairman of the Administration of State Material Reserves of the Slovak Republic, Slavomír Šoffa. The main item of the meeting was the current situation concerning mobilisation reserves, emergency stocks and the material reserves of the state.
The discussion focused in particular on the readiness of the Administration of State Material Reserves of the SR to respond to possible risks associated with the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. The Chairman of the Administration briefed the Prime Minister on the current state of distribution of medical personal protective equipment.
The Prime Minister praised the work of the Administration of State Material Reserves of the SR to date and stressed the need to maintain a high level of preparedness for emergencies.
The Leadership of the Administration of State Material Reserves of the SR Took Part in the Central Crisis Staff Meeting on the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Emergency
The Chairman of the Administration of State Material Reserves, together with the Vice-Chairman, took part in a meeting of the Central Crisis Staff (CCS) on the emergency declared due to the occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease in the territory of the Slovak Republic.
In connection with this situation, the Chairman of the Administration of State Material Reserves stressed that the Administration is once again ready to respond immediately and to provide maximum assistance to the CCS, the Ministry of the Interior of the SR and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the SR in addressing this crisis. The Administration of State Material Reserves holds strategic reserves which can, if needed, be made available immediately to protect lives, health, safety and the economic stability of the country.
In line with its mission, the Administration of State Material Reserves is prepared to coordinate the distribution of the necessary stocks, to release them at any time upon request, and to perform its assigned tasks within its powers.
The Chairman stated that the Administration of State Material Reserves will monitor the situation continuously and respond actively to all requests from state authorities. It is essential that all parties involved be prepared to the greatest possible extent to manage the situation effectively and to eliminate its impact on the population and the economy of the Slovak Republic.
Basic Questions and Answers – Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the Slovak Republic
What is foot-and-mouth disease?
Foot-and-mouth disease, also known as aphthous fever, is a highly contagious viral disease of animals. It mainly affects cattle, goats, sheep and pigs, but also wild cloven-hoofed game and other even-toed ungulates.
Is it a new virus?
The foot-and-mouth disease virus is one of the smallest and most resistant known animal viruses and has been known since 1898. It is extremely stable and spreads very effectively.
What are the symptoms?
The incubation period of the virus is 7 to 14 days; in cattle it tends to be shorter. The first signs include a drop in milk production, followed by fever, blisters and aphthae in the oral cavity causing drooling. Blisters and ulcers also appear on the udder and in the area of the claws, i.e. the “hooves”, where they cause lameness. Due to pain, the animals lose appetite and weight and become withdrawn.
Must every susceptible animal show symptoms?
No; however, if it is in the vicinity of infected animals – within 3 km of the outbreak site – it must be culled as a preventive measure. Animals are infectious and spread the virus even before symptoms appear.
Is the infection fatal?
For adult animals in good condition the infection is not fatal; young animals are worse off. As it is a highly contagious disease, entire herds are culled to prevent further spread.
How is the virus transmitted?
Through direct contact between infected animals, contaminated feed, water, bedding, hay, contaminated tools, clothing and especially staff footwear, and contaminated vehicles and their parts. The virus also spreads through the air over tens of kilometres and is very resistant, surviving in the environment for a very long time.
What is the most common route of transmission?
Direct contact between animals, but also staff footwear. The virus is extremely resistant and capable of survival.
Does the virus also spread through the air?
The virus also spreads through the air, carried by the wind over tens of kilometres.
Why is the infection so dangerous?
It has extreme economic impacts and rebuilding herds takes years.
Can humans become infected with foot-and-mouth disease? If so, how?
In very rare cases, humans can also become infected with the virus, depending on the condition of their immune system. The course of the disease, however, tends to be mild, almost imperceptible.
Can dogs, cats, rabbits, poultry or horses become infected?
The foot-and-mouth disease virus poses no health risk to dogs, cats, horses, rabbits or poultry.
Could a person have a health problem after drinking milk from a cow infected with foot-and-mouth disease? If so, what kind?
Fresh milk from a cow, sheep or goat in the acute phase of infection tends to be curdled and unpalatable.
Does pasteurisation of milk protect people from infection?
Consumption of heat-treated (pasteurised) milk poses no health risk. Products made from pasteurised milk, such as yoghurt, powdered milk and infant formula, are safe.
Could a person fall ill after eating meat from an infected animal?
Consumption of heat-treated meat poses no risk to humans.
Is mere proximity to or touching such an animal dangerous?
For a susceptible animal, yes – the infection is transmitted very quickly and easily. Humans, dogs and cats do not become infected; the danger is to susceptible animals, because people and pets can carry the virus.
What symptoms could a person have if the virus were transmitted to them in some (at least indirect) form?
In the vast majority of cases the infection passes unnoticed; exceptionally, small sores on the tongue and aphthae on the oral mucosa may appear.
What is the treatment in such a case?
Treatment consists only of relieving the symptoms, which are, however, minimal, so it is not needed.
If I keep a domestic animal at home, should I avoid eating its meat or drinking its milk while foot-and-mouth disease is present in Slovakia?
Heat treatment of meat and milk destroys the virus and ensures food safety.
Is the transport of all animals banned? Can I not travel with my dog?
Under the extraordinary emergency measures, it is prohibited to move susceptible animals – cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and other even-toed ungulates – throughout the entire Slovak Republic. Dogs and cats may travel. However, live animals may not be moved across border crossings with Hungary.
Can I visit family living near the epicentre of the outbreak with my dog?
Yes, although minimising movement is key to stopping the spread of the virus.
Is there a vaccine, and does it serve as prevention against foot-and-mouth disease?
No. The vaccine serves only to reduce the shedding of the foot-and-mouth disease virus in animals that have already come into contact with the virus.
Why must all susceptible animals be culled?
So that they do not spread the infection. This concerns susceptible animal species at outbreak sites, as well as in other holdings based on an assessment of the epizootic risk.
Can wild animals also carry the infection?
Wild even-toed ungulates – deer, roe deer and mouflons – also tend to be carriers of the virus, although it does not cause them serious health problems. To prevent them from spreading the virus, it is essential not to disturb them in the forests.
Is it possible to enter farms – holdings?
At outbreak sites there is a complete ban on entry by unauthorised persons, and all persons, tools and vehicles must be strictly disinfected before departure and pass through a disinfection gate or ford. A preventive ban on entry by unauthorised persons applies to all holdings of susceptible animals in the Slovak Republic; zoos and circuses must also be closed, and mass animal events may not be held.
What should a disinfection ford look like?
At least 5 m long – so that even large tractor wheels make a full turn in it – and about 20 cm deep, ideally across the entire width of the entrance. If a ford is not possible, disinfection strips, disinfection troughs or temporary fords – an impermeable foil with foam or a layer of sawdust soaked in disinfectant – are also acceptable. The solution must be kept at the prescribed concentration in all weather conditions.
When and how did the virus reach us?
The first case of foot-and-mouth disease in Slovakia was confirmed by tests on 21 March 2025 on three farms in the south of the country.
Do bans and regulations make sense if the virus spreads through the air?
Strict compliance with the issued regulations will be an enormous help in preventing the infection from spreading further. In any outbreak, discipline plays the most important role. The only way to fight the infection is strict quarantine, isolation measures and, unfortunately, also the culling of entire herds.
Further information on foot-and-mouth disease in the Slovak Republic, together with the extraordinary emergency measures, is available on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the SR.
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