Hungary will block gas transit to Ukraine starting in July 2026

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has issued a decree suspending the transit of natural gas to Ukraine through Hungarian territory starting in July. 

This was reported by dpa, citing the relevant decree published on the night of March 26, 2026. It prohibits the gas transmission system operator FGSZ from providing capacity for pumping fuel to Ukrainian border crossing points. 

According to the state gas transmission system operator, Ukraine secured about 44% of its gas imports via this route last year.

Experts note that Budapest’s decision poses serious legal challenges, as gas trading and transportation are carried out by private companies through auctions. FGSZ, a subsidiary of the MOL Group, has already sold transit capacity for the second quarter of this year. Direct government intervention in existing contracts before the end of June threatens the Hungarian side with significant lawsuits and claims for financial compensation from traders.

The blocking of the energy corridor comes amid statements from Washington regarding the conclusion of the “Epic Fury” military operation and the expected decline in global fuel prices. Meanwhile, preparations are underway in the EU for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, which also remains partially blocked due to Hungary’s position. The intensification of energy pressure from Budapest coincides with Russia’s preparations for attacks on Ukrainian water supply systems and discussions about the possible withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the Donbas region in exchange for international guarantees.

Earlier it was reported that European experts would visit the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine. They are to assess the situation at the facility ahead of an important meeting of EU leaders regarding financial aid to Kyiv.

It was also reported that Ukraine has accepted EU aid for the repair of the Druzhba pipeline.