FM Szijjarto asserts Hungary's dependence on Russian oil via Ukraine

Hungary has no alternative to the supply of Russian oil through Ukraine, lacking the necessary infrastructure for other sources, said Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.

"To buy oil or gas from different sources, you need pipes and developed infrastructure. If it is not there and no one helps us get it, we cannot use the freedom that diversification gives us," Szijjarto explained, Caliber.Az reports quoting his interview with foreign media.

As a result, Budapest currently relies on Russian oil supplies via Ukraine.

During a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Szijjarto criticized Ukraine's transit ban on Russian oil company Lukoil, which supplies about 50% of its oil to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline. He stated that this ban endangers Hungary's energy security, calling it "unacceptable" for Ukraine, especially as it seeks EU membership, to jeopardize the oil supply of two EU member states.

Hungary blocked over €6 billion in EU military aid for Ukraine during a July 22 meeting. The EU imposed sanctions on Russian crude oil purchases following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine but exempted Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic until they could diversify their energy sources.

Ukraine's restrictions on Lukoil in June aimed to reduce Moscow's oil revenue, which reached $180 billion last year. This move led to a drop in Hungary's oil imports, threatening electricity shortages and higher energy prices for Hungarians.