Hungary is halting gas supplies to Ukraine due to the blockade of the Druzhba pipeline
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that gas supplies to Ukraine are gradually being cut off until the transit of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline is resumed.
Orbán made this statement in a video posted on his Facebook page.
“Gas supplies from Hungary to Ukraine will be gradually halted, and the volume of gas remaining in Hungary will be stored in Hungary,” Orbán said.
According to him, Ukraine is allegedly blocking the operation of the pipeline, and until gas supplies resume, the Hungarian government will build up reserves to ensure the country’s energy security. Orbán added that Hungarians pay the lowest prices at gas stations thanks to price caps, and this decision will help maintain the stability of the fuel and gas market in Hungary.
“Until Ukraine provides oil, it will not receive gas from Hungary,” the prime minister emphasized, adding that filling the country’s gas storage facilities is a priority for ensuring energy security.
Satellite images indicate a high probability of significant damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline as a result of the Russian strike. According to media reports, the extent of the damage could be substantial.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is hearing for the first time about an EU mission to inspect the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Earlier reports indicated that on Wednesday, March 18, European experts would visit the Druzhba oil pipeline in Ukraine. They are to assess the situation at the facility ahead of a crucial meeting of EU leaders regarding financial aid to Kyiv.
It was also reported that Ukraine has accepted EU aid to repair the Druzhba pipeline.
