Slovnaft celebrates 130 years since the first oil refining in slovakia

• The emergence of Slovakia´s oil industry is linked to the establishment of the Apollo mineral oil refinery in 1895, which was destroyed by bombing in June 1944
• Slovnaft has continued this legacy since 1950s and today stands as one of the most modern refineries in Europe and one of the most valuable Slovak brands
• Thanks to the shared history of both refineries, Bratislava has been associated with oil and its refining into other key products for 130 years

BRATISLAVA, 9 April 2025 - This year, Slovnaft celebrates 130 years since the founding of the Apollo mineral oil refinery, which became a symbol of the birth of the oil industry in Slovakia. The decision to build a refinery in Bratislava on 9 April 1895 was a pivotal moment, shaping the region´s development  and establishing Bratislava as one of Central Europe´s key oil processing centres.

Construction of the Apollo Refinery began in April 1895 in the Mill Garden by the Danube River, just as Europe was on the brink of the automobile revolution. he refinery initially produced kerosene, later expanding to include lubricants, oils, petrol, paraffin, diesel, candles, and even artificial ice. Apollo became a technological leader, creating the first network of service stations under the APOLLO - NAFTA brand.

After the refinery’s destruction during World War II, Slovnaft took up the mantle of oil refining in the 1950s and has continued to innovate and develop the industry ever since.

"The historical legacy of the Apollo Refinery is an integral part of our identity. We are building on the achievements of six generations who shaped the Slovak oil industry through their determination and innovation. This milestone is not just a celebration of the past, but a strong commitment to the future—a future in which we continue to provide reliable solutions for our customers, partners, and community. We are currently a member of the MOL Group, thanks to which Slovnaft's total investments have reached EUR 3.1 billion since 2000. We implemented the historically largest volume of investments in 2024, in the amount of EUR 330 million," said Marek Senkovič, CEO of Slovnaft.

To celebrate the 130th anniversary of the oil industry in Slovakia, an exhibition documenting key moments from the Apollo refinery's founding to the present-day Slovnaft will be held at the Exhibition Hall of the University Library in Bratislava. The exhibition is open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free admission.

In recognition of the historical significance of this milestone for Slovakia’s capital, Slovnaft is proud to be the partner of the Bratislava City Days, which will take place on 26-27 April 2025. For the first time in its history, the refinery will open its doors to the public for the weekend. The program will include a guided tour of the remaining Apollo refinery structures, called the "Industrial Walk around Apollo," and a bicycle ride across the five bridges on Slovnaft BAjk bicycles. On Sunday, 27 April, Slovnaft will also host a series of lectures and discussions in the Eco Tent, starting at 16:00, covering life at the refinery and its role in the city. All activities prepared by Slovnaft will be free of charge during the Bratislava City Days. A detailed program, including registration details, will be available at www.bratislavskemestskedni.sk.

Fuel station Apollo - 1940s

A panoramic view of the Apollo refinery, which was part of the city.

View of bombed Bratislava during World War 2