Hungary is currently unable to cease oil supplies from Russia, though the incoming government led by the Tisza Party will prioritize the diversification of energy sources.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing RIA Novosti, that the shift in energy policy follows recent political changes in the country. Peter Magyar, the leader of the Tisza Party, emphasized that while the goal is to expand energy options, immediate decoupling from Russian infrastructure remains unfeasible.
"We want to diversify our sources and obtain oil from as many providers as possible at the lowest possible price," Magyar stated. "The Druzhba pipeline will remain operational. We have clearly stated that Hungary cannot abandon it now; even if it wanted to, the country cannot completely give up Russian oil at this stage."
The energy security situation has been further complicated by geopolitical tensions. Prime Minister Viktor Orban recently blocked a 90 billion euro loan to Kyiv following disruptions in Russian oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, which traverses Ukrainian territory. In the parliamentary elections held on April 12, the Tisza Party secured a dominant position, winning 138 out of 199 seats, while the Fidesz party obtained 55 seats. Final election results are expected to be officially announced on April 18.
Hungary's heavy reliance on Russian energy is a legacy of Soviet-era infrastructure, specifically the Druzhba pipeline system, which remains one of the world's largest oil pipeline networks. For landlocked Central European nations like Hungary, transitioning to alternative maritime-based supplies requires significant investment in refinery upgrades and new pipeline interconnectors with neighboring European Union states.
