Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced that the country will need to rely on its strategic oil reserves due to transit issues affecting the Druzhba pipeline, which he attributes to Ukraine’s actions.
In a statement shared on social media, Orban indicated that the Hungarian government will address the ongoing oil supply challenges in an upcoming meeting. He accused Ukraine of effectively blackmailing Hungary by obstructing the Druzhba pipeline.
“Ukraine is blackmailing Hungary; it has closed the Druzhba pipeline. We will have to use our strategic reserves. This is the first item on today’s government agenda,” Orban stated.
In related developments, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that the Hungarian company MOL has ordered its first shipments of Russian oil, which will be transported by sea via Croatia. This move comes as Hungary seeks alternative routes for its oil supply.
Last week, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister expressed anticipation of Hungary’s complaints regarding the oil transit issues, suggesting that Hungary should direct its grievances to its “friends in Moscow.” Meanwhile, the Slovak government has declared a state of emergency in the oil sector due to supply disruptions following damage to the Druzhba pipeline.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of obstructing oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, prompting Hungary to consider using its strategic reserves. The situation has led to alternative arrangements for oil shipments and a state of emergency declared by Slovakia over similar supply issues.