Hungary expects to phase out Russian gas by October 2027

Hungary expects that by the European Union's October 2027 deadline for phasing out Russian gas, its needs will also be met through non-Russian sources, Hungarian Minister for National Economy and Energy István Kapitány said in an interview with Telex.

Report quotes him as saying Hungary's gas storage facilities are well stocked, there are no problems with the physical supply of gas, and therefore the country is ready for winter.

The minister noted that Hungary's dependence on Russian gas is not due to an inability to purchase gas from other sources. He said gas enters the country via pipelines from several directions, but Russian gas has so far been the most cost-effective option.

Kapitány did not say by how much Hungary's dependence on Russia for gas imports had decreased in recent months, but noted that if developments follow the expected scenario, gas supplies will also be secured from other sources by the deadline set by the EU.

He also said there was potential to reduce dependence on Russia for oil supplies. According to him, negotiations have begun with Croatia on using the Adriatic pipeline at full capacity.

Kapitány said the review of the Paks II project would be completed by the end of the year, after which a decision would be made on whether new reactors need to be built at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.