Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto speaking at the UN
Hungary defends Russian energy use
Claims the country lacks alternatives to Russian oil and gas may be exaggerated, although higher costs and reduced security of supply are legitimate concerns.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto delivered a combative address at the Gastech conference in Milan in September, defending his country’s continued reliance on Russian oil and gas while attacking EU energy policy. Hungary and neighbouring Slovakia are among a handful of EU member states that still depend heavily on Russian hydrocarbons. Hungary sourced 86% of its oil from Russia last year, according to Finland-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), while Slovakia is nearly 100% dependent. They do so thanks to exemptions the European Commission granted them to an embargo on Russian oil that came into force in 2023. These exemptions have no set expiry. Likewise, the
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
