Hungary's Dependence on Russian Oil
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto emphasizes that the country cannot survive without Russian oil, as Ukraine's pipeline transit halt poses a severe challenge. Hungary lacks sufficient alternative infrastructure, losing about one-third of its oil imports, while Slovakia loses around 40%. Currently, Hungary seeks a temporary solution by rebranding oil products and continues to stress the need for long-term alternatives.
Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has emphasized the country's inability to survive without Russian oil.
Ukraine halted the transit of Russian crude via the Druzhba pipeline in June, citing sanctions, which severely impacted Hungary and Slovakia.
This cessation deprived Hungary of about one-third of its oil imports.
Szijjarto underlined that alternative infrastructure is insufficient to meet Hungary's fuel demands.
Slovakia faces an even greater impact, losing around 40% of its oil imports.
Since 2018, Kiev had imposed trade restrictions on Russian energy giant Lukoil, further complicating the situation.
Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic received exemptions from the EU's 2022 ban on seaborne Russian crude due to their reliance on these supplies.
Hungary has suggested rebranding Lukoil's oil products for continued import.
Szijjarto met with Gazprom's CEO to discuss energy security, highlighting the critical nature of Russian cooperation for Hungary's food security.
Ukraine halted the transit of Russian crude via the Druzhba pipeline in June, citing sanctions, which severely impacted Hungary and Slovakia.
This cessation deprived Hungary of about one-third of its oil imports.
Szijjarto underlined that alternative infrastructure is insufficient to meet Hungary's fuel demands.
Slovakia faces an even greater impact, losing around 40% of its oil imports.
Since 2018, Kiev had imposed trade restrictions on Russian energy giant Lukoil, further complicating the situation.
Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic received exemptions from the EU's 2022 ban on seaborne Russian crude due to their reliance on these supplies.
Hungary has suggested rebranding Lukoil's oil products for continued import.
Szijjarto met with Gazprom's CEO to discuss energy security, highlighting the critical nature of Russian cooperation for Hungary's food security.
