According to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Hungary anticipates finalizing a contract with Russia for 700 million cubic meters of extra gas imports by the end of the summer.
In addition to the current long-term supply agreement, the two nations have been negotiating additional supplies.
Orban assured that Hungary would have adequate gas.
We are negotiating with the Russians to purchase an additional 700 million cubic meters of gas; if the agreement is done this summer, we will be secure.
Gas Infrastructure Europe reports that Hungary’s gas storages are currently roughly 50% filled, covering 29% of its annual usage.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EU member Hungary has maintained what it calls pragmatic relations with Moscow, which has strained relations with several EU members eager to adopt a stronger stance.
Hungary, which depends on Russian gas to a degree of roughly 85%, is vehemently opposed to the concept of EU restrictions on Russian gas supplies.
Hungary receives 3.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas annually via Bulgaria and Serbia, as well as an additional 1 bcm via a pipeline from Austria; thanks to a 15-year agreement inked last year with the Russian gas giant Gazprom.
