Hungary Halts Gas Supplies to Ukraine Amid Oil Pipeline Dispute
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that Hungary will suspend gas deliveries to Ukraine unless the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline is restored. This decision comes after Ukraine and the European Union reported disruptions to the Druzhba pipeline following Russian strikes.
According to a report by European Truth, referencing Orbán’s Facebook post, Orbán stated, “Gas supplies from Hungary to Ukraine will be gradually stopped, and the amount of gas that remains in Hungary will be stored in Hungary.”
Energy Security Concerns
Orbán further explained that a proposal to this effect would be presented at the next government meeting. He accused Ukraine of blocking the Druzhba oil pipeline and asserted that Hungary has “successfully defended itself against Ukrainian blackmail.” He also claimed that protected prices have resulted in Hungarians paying the lowest prices at the pump.
“Until Ukraine produces oil, it will not receive gas from Hungary,” Orbán emphasized. He added that, due to Ukraine’s alleged attacks on the southern gas pipeline supplying Hungary, the country must create reserves by filling Hungarian gas storage facilities instead of Ukrainian ones.
“We will protect Hungary’s energy security, we will maintain a protected petrol price and a reduced gas price!” Orbán concluded.
Illustrative photo: Getty Images
Worth a look