The Hungarian government has officially announced the temporary suspension of gas supplies to Ukraine, in a move seen as a direct response to Kiev blocking Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
On March 25, speaking on national television, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán affirmed that this decision was approved at a cabinet meeting. He emphasized that as long as Ukraine does not resume the transit of Russian oil, Hungary will not restore gas supplies.
We will protect Hungary's energy security, keep gasoline prices stable and maintain low gas prices for the people" - Mr. Orbán declared.
For many years, Ukraine has been both a transit route for Russian gas to Europe and receiving gas back from Hungary through a reversible pipeline system. However, this balance is changing rapidly.
According to data from Ukraine, in 2025 this country imported up to 46% of gas from Hungary, equivalent to 20-30% of monthly consumption demand. The total amount of Hungarian gas exported to Ukraine reached about 2.5 billion m3, 5 times higher than in 2022.
This means that Budapest's gas "lockdown" is not only symbolic but could create real pressure on Kiev's energy system, especially in the context that regional supply is already fragile.
The current tension stems from Ukraine being accused of preventing Russian oil from passing through the Druzhba pipeline - the lifeline supplying energy to Central Europe.
Since January 27, the flow of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia has been interrupted. Budapest believes that the pipeline system is still operating normally and accuses Kiev of "blocking the flow for political reasons".
Not stopping at gas, Hungary previously warned that it could stop exporting electricity to Ukraine if this situation continues.
Hungary's move is not only bilateral but also spreading to the level of the European Union (EU).
Budapest has blocked financial aid packages for Ukraine, including a loan of 90 billion euros. The Hungarian government has declared that it will not support any decisions that benefit Kiev in Brussels until Russian oil supplies are restored.
This position was put forward by Mr. Orbán at the EU summit on March 19, increasing divisions within the bloc over how to approach Ukraine and Russia.
