Hungary Halts Diesel Exports to Ukraine

Ukraine is attempting to blackmail Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote on his social media page. Despite the pressure, he emphasized, Hungary’s oil supply remains secure. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto provided further details following Wednesday's cabinet meeting, with the announcement carried live on Hír TV. The government made clear: Hungary’s energy supply is guaranteed, despite what it described as Ukrainian political blackmail. With no physical or technical obstacles preventing the restart of oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, Kyiv’s refusal to resume shipments is a political decision aimed at pressuring Hungary to meet Ukrainian demands—an act the government views as open interference in Hungary’s elections.

He reassured Hungarians that

As a result of the government's measures, Hungary's fuel and energy supplies remain secure, with neither fuel nor energy supplies being jeopardized despite Ukraine's political blackmail.

The country has more than three months’ worth of oil reserves, and preparations are already underway to utilize part of those reserves if necessary. 

Szijjártó also announced that Hungary and Slovakia have jointly notified the European Commission that they will exercise their right—under a binding EU decision—to import Russian crude oil via maritime routes until pipeline deliveries are restored.

This is a European Union decision that is binding on everyone. MOL has already ordered the necessary quantities, and the maritime transport route is being established, with shipments expected to arrive in Hungary by mid-March.

At the same time, the minister underscored

Hungary has a key role in Ukraine’s own energy security. A significant portion of Ukraine’s gas, electricity, and diesel fuel imports transit through Hungary,” he noted. “Hungary plays an extremely important role in Ukraine’s energy supply. Hungary has decided to suspend diesel fuel exports to Ukraine.

“Diesel shipments to Ukraine will not resume until Ukraine restarts crude oil deliveries to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline,” Szijjarto stated. He called on Hungarians to stand firm against what he described as Ukrainian blackmail and to support the national petition opposing outside pressure. “Let us say no together to dragging Hungary into the war. Let us say no together to financing Ukraine. And let us say no together to higher energy prices in Hungary,” the foreign minister concluded.