A wave of industrial incidents has shaken the region, raising questions about the safety of refineries connected to Russian companies.
In Romania, the Petrotel Lukoil refinery in Ploiești was hit by a powerful explosion caused by the accumulation of hazardous gases following a residue leak, according to reports by Digi24. One worker was injured and is currently receiving medical care.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the accident and to prevent similar events in the future. The Petrotel refinery, operated by the Russian energy giant Lukoil, is strategically important as it is supplied with crude oil through the international “Druzhba” pipeline, which connects European countries to Russia’s energy resources.
At the same time, regional media report that smaller explosions and fires have occurred in Hungary, in industrial zones linked to the oil supply network, although authorities have not yet confirmed any direct connection between the incidents.
These events come at a time when energy tensions between the EU and Russia are escalating, while several countries’ dependency on Russian oil infrastructure remains a sensitive geopolitical issue.
