Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán claims Ukraine is deliberately delaying oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, threatening EU aid and sanctions.
Orbán Links Oil Supply to Funding
Orbán stated, “The situation is simple: if there is no oil, there is no money,” in a Facebook post, adding he discussed the issue with European Council President Antonio Costa and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Access to Druzhba Pipeline Denied
The Hungarian Prime Minister also criticized the denial of access to the Druzhba pipeline for a Hungarian delegation that traveled to Ukraine last week.
Druzhba Pipeline Damage and Allegations of “Blackmail”
The Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russia’s oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was damaged in a Russian attack in late January. While Kyiv asserts repairs are underway, Orbán’s government alleges Ukrainian authorities are intentionally obstructing the resumption of transit, calling it “blackmail.”
As a result, Hungary has threatened to block a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine and obstruct the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
EU Calls for Compliance, Offers Mediation
European Council President Antonio Costa urged Orbán on Tuesday to approve the EU loan to Ukraine. Costa pledged to work with Ukraine to restore oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline.
An EU source reported Costa clearly conveyed to Orbán the expectation that Hungary will uphold its commitments regarding the €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
Hungary Accuses Polish Minister of Falsehoods
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó claimed on Monday that Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski lied when stating Hungary acknowledged the Druzhba pipeline requires repairs, according to government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács.
Szijjártó, quoted on X by the government spokesperson, stated, “Radosław Sikorski is lying about what was said during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline.”
Sikorski had previously noted Hungary initially argued the pipeline was fully functional but later admitted it needed repairs, and offered mediation between Hungary and Ukraine.
Fuel Price Caps Implemented in Hungary
Hungarian media report the country’s oil reserves are at their lowest level in a decade, with most gas stations imposing fuel sales restrictions.
A price cap of 595 forints per liter of gasoline and 615 forints per liter of diesel (approximately 6.5 and 6.7 złoty respectively) went into effect on March 10th, applying only to vehicles with Hungarian license plates.
Holtankoljak, a fuel price monitoring portal, warns the caps could jeopardize fuel supplies in the long term, as importers may be unwilling to operate at a loss.
