Hungarians Are Outraged by Ukrainian Oil Sanctions

69 percent of Hungarians are outraged that Ukraine wants to restrict oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, and 77 percent expect Brussels to mediate between the parties, according to a survey conducted by the Nezopont Institute. The survey highlights that last week, the European Commission - re-elected by the Hungarian left -announced that it would not assist member states.

Regardless of party affiliation, there is broad consensus among Hungarians that the EU should act to resolve the situation

The possibility of Hungary responding to the oil sanctions by withholding electricity supplies to Ukraine has been discussed in public debates. Currently, this idea does not have overwhelming support; only 47% of Hungarians would find it acceptable, while 42% would not. Factors such as the availability of gasoline from state reserves and public confidence in Hungary's negotiating efforts likely contribute to this cautious stance. However, if a deal is not reached, public sentiment could shift, and, given the strong opposition to Ukrainian sanctions, support for counter-measures might increase, the analysis suggests.

The survey by the Nézőpont Institute was conducted from July 29 to July 31, 2024, with 1,000 people interviewed by telephone. The sample is representative of the population aged 18 and over, including factors such as gender, age, region, type of municipality, and education level.el.

Cover photo: Receiving point of the Friendship II Oil Pipeline at MOL's Danube Refinery, in Hunderthalombatta (Photo: MTI/Zsolt Szigetvary)