Budapest, Dec 21 (Reuters) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced ongoing negotiations with Russia and Ukraine to preserve gas shipments through Ukraine, despite Hungary’s increasing reliance on the TurkStream pipeline for its Russian gas imports. Speaking on Saturday, Orban emphasized Hungary’s commitment to keeping this critical transit route operational.
The pipeline through Ukraine remains one of the last major conduits for Russian gas to Europe. However, it faces closure at the end of this year, as Kyiv has signaled its unwillingness to extend the existing five-year transit agreement. This agreement currently channels gas to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria.
Orban revealed Hungary’s innovative proposal to navigate these geopolitical tensions: “We are exploring the possibility of transferring ownership of the gas before it enters Ukraine. By the time it reaches Ukrainian territory, it would no longer be Russian gas but Hungarian-owned.” He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the acceptance of this idea by both Russia and Ukraine but underscored Hungary’s determination to retain the Ukraine transit route.
This year, Hungary imported approximately 7.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline, supplemented by additional supplies routed through Romania. Hungary’s domestic production accounts for another 1-1.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually.
The potential shutdown of the Ukrainian transit route raises significant concerns for regional energy security. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico recently warned of a looming gas crisis, highlighting Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to extend the transit agreement due to ongoing conflict with Russia.
Hungary’s strategic efforts to safeguard its energy supply exemplify the broader challenges facing European nations as they navigate the complexities of energy dependence, geopolitical tensions, and the shifting dynamics of global energy markets. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for energy stability in Central Europe.
