Виктор Орбан. Фото: facebook.com/orbanviktor
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Hungary will suspend gas supplies to Ukraine. They will be resumed once Hungary starts receiving oil again.
“The Druzhba oil pipeline has been blocked by Ukraine for 30 days. Until now, we have successfully defended ourselves against Ukrainian pressure. Thanks to regulated prices, Hungarians pay the lowest fuel prices at filling stations in all of Europe. But we must go further to break the oil blockade and ensure Hungary’s energy supply. Other measures are now needed, so we will gradually stop gas supplies from Hungary to Ukraine, and the remaining volumes will be stored within the country.
Until Ukraine supplies oil, Hungary will not supply gas. Since Ukraine is also attacking the southern gas pipeline supplying Hungary, we need to build reserves. Therefore, instead of supplying Ukraine, we will now fill Hungarian gas storage facilities, protect Hungary’s energy security, maintain regulated fuel prices, and keep reduced gas prices,” the head of government said.
It should be recalled that the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline was disrupted as a result of a Russian attack. The Hungarian side insists that the pipeline itself is operational and that Ukraine is blocking supplies for political reasons. Meanwhile, the EU has offered Ukraine assistance in repairing the pipeline, and according to statements from Brussels, Kyiv has accepted it.
It should be noted that parliamentary elections will be held in Hungary on April 12. Viktor Orbán’s party is currently trailing the opposition in opinion polls.