Hungary lawmaker warns Russian gas halt could triple energy bills

Mate Kocsis, a representative of Hungary’s Fidesz party, stated that the country has strong gas connections with neighbouring states—except Slovenia—and could purchase gas on the market if Russian supplies were halted.

Speaking in an interview with M1, Kocsis noted that under a long-term agreement, Hungary receives 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually. However, current challenges make securing such supplies difficult, leaving the country in a weak buyer position.

He warned that a stop in Russian gas deliveries would triple electricity and gas costs, potentially adding about 50,000 forints to monthly household bills. Rising fuel prices and inflation, estimated at 9.6–9.7% by Századvég, could further increase expenses by 70,000 forints. New tax initiatives could cut incomes by up to 25%, affecting vulnerable families and hitting the middle class.

Kocsis also criticised European companies’ exposure to sanctions and aggressive climate policies, including the carbon tax. He added that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance had praised Hungary’s strategy to foster competition in the energy sector and control price growth.