Hungary stays firm on Russian energy imports, dismissing need for alternatives

Hungary has expressed contentment with its current energy supply agreements with Russia, stating that it has no plans to discontinue imports, as it has yet to secure more reliable or cost-effective alternatives.

Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó confirmed this during a press conference following an EU Foreign Trade Council meeting, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“We are satisfied with our continued energy cooperation with Russia. Our experience shows that Russia is a reliable supplier, and we have always received the contracted volumes at the agreed prices and within the stipulated timelines,” Szijjártó said.

He also emphasised that no better offers had been presented than those currently provided by Moscow.

While EU countries have reduced their reliance on Russian gas over the past two and a half years, Hungary has taken a different approach. Instead of decreasing its dependence on Moscow's fossil energy, Budapest is seeking to increase gas imports.

Thus, on October 10, Szijjarto announced that the Hungarian energy group MVM and Russian gas giant Gazprom had signed a supplementary contract to ensure the continued delivery of Russian gas at competitive prices. This agreement, finalised during the International Gas Forum in Saint Petersburg, includes a potential increase in pipeline gas supply to Hungary.

While the EU aims to eliminate Russian gas imports by 2027, Hungary maintains that abandoning Russian gas would raise energy costs and threaten its energy security. Hungary receives 4.5bn cubic metres (bcm) of Russian gas annually under a long-term contract with Gazprom, which runs until 2036. This year, shipments are expected to rise to 6.7 bcm.

Despite criticism from the European Parliament over Hungary's reliance on Russian energy, Szijjarto defended the decision, arguing that securing affordable gas without Russian imports is physically impossible.

Hungary's stance aligns with Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, which is at odds with Brussels over its opposition to sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine. This deal underscores Hungary's growing dependence on Russian energy, which remains a contentious issue within the EU.

By Aghakazim Guliyev