Hungary seeks to cut dependence on Russian gas and oil

Hungary expects its gas needs to be met through non-Russian sources by the European Union’s October 2027 deadline for phasing out Russian gas, Hungarian Minister for National Economy and Energy István Kapitány said in an interview with Telex.

He said that Hungary’s gas storage facilities are well stocked and that there are no problems with the physical supply of gas, meaning the country is prepared for the winter.

Kapitány said Hungary’s dependence on Russian gas was not due to an inability to purchase gas from other sources. He noted that gas enters the country through pipelines from several directions, but Russian gas has so far been the most cost-effective option.

The minister did not specify by how much Hungary’s dependence on Russian gas imports had declined in recent months. However, he said that if developments follow the expected scenario, gas supplies from other sources would also be secured by the EU’s 2027 deadline.

Kapitány also said there was potential to reduce Hungary’s dependence on Russia for oil supplies. According to him, negotiations have begun with Croatia on using the Adriatic pipeline at full capacity.

He added that the review of the Paks II nuclear power plant project would be completed by the end of the year, after which a decision would be made on whether new reactors need to be built at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.

Stabil.Az