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Hungary will give up Russian gas by autumn 2027 and is seeking alternative sources of supply

Cristiana Dida

4 November 2026, 10:49

International

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Hungary intends to completely abandon gas imports from Russia by autumn 2027, amid the European Union’s plan to eliminate imports of Russian fuels. Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said in an interview with the publication Telex that the last purchases of Russian gas are expected to be made next summer.

Until then, the authorities in Budapest want to diversify their sources of supply. The alternatives include the gas corridor running through Greece, which could allow Hungary to import liquefied natural gas and gas from Azerbaijan.

Hungary is also considering using greater capacity at Croatia’s liquefied natural gas terminal, as well as the pipelines connecting it to other European states.

The decision comes as Hungary is one of the EU countries most dependent on Russian energy, including oil. The European Union has set a deadline of the end of 2027 for completely eliminating imports of Russian gas, in order to reduce member states’ vulnerability to pressure from Moscow. Under Viktor Orbán’s government, Budapest promoted the “Opening to the East” policy, but relations with Russia reportedly deteriorated after the government led by Péter Magyar took office.

Context: Hungary has changed its tone toward Russia, in parallel with negotiations on energy and energy projects of regional significance

Before the announcement regarding the gradual phaseout of Russian gas, the Hungarian government asked the United States to extend by another year a waiver allowing the use of Russian oil and gas. According to official explanations, the exception is set to expire in November, and Budapest cited the time needed to adapt the infrastructure and implement the technological changes required to diversify sources.

In the same context, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar rejected on Monday an agreement announced by Naftogaz and MOL on the construction of oil storage facilities in Hungary to protect Ukraine’s reserves from Russian attacks, arguing that the project will not be carried out as long as his party leads the government in Budapest.

At the same time, the authorities in Budapest adopted a tougher foreign-policy position: Russia was declared a „threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order”, marking a break with Viktor Orbán’s policy. The document for the Hungarian delegation to the UN condemns Russian aggression and supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, although Hungary continues to refuse to provide weapons to Kyiv and opposes Ukraine’s accelerated accession to the EU.