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Orbán accuses Ukraine of “oil blockade” as Middle East tensions and V4 rifts deepen Hungary’s energy fears
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has accused Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky of placing Hungary under an “oil blockade” by halting supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, warning that the move threatens both national energy security and fuel prices.
Speaking at an anti-war gathering of the Digital Civic Circles in Esztergom on Saturday, the prime minister said Kyiv’s decision to shut down deliveries amounted to political pressure on Hungary.
“We will break this oil blockade,” Orbán declared, adding that Hungary would not accept what he described as Ukrainian demands. “If you give in to blackmail once, you will be blackmailed again.”
Refinery concerns and price risks
Orbán said he had started the day at the refinery in Százhalombatta, where he was briefed on the situation. According to him, there are no technical obstacles to restarting deliveries, suggesting the stoppage is politically motivated.
He stressed that the refinery cannot process just any type of crude oil, making Hungary particularly vulnerable to disruptions. Without sufficient reserves and preparation, he warned, petrol prices could have surged above HUF 1,000 per litre.
As we wrote before, it is unclear why the lack of Russian oil would push prices to HUF 1,000 per litre. Hungarian energy company MOL Group reportedly buys crude transported through Druzhba at a discount compared with supplies arriving via Croatia’s Adria pipeline. However, this lower cost is not passed on to consumers. Instead, the extra margin is largely absorbed through windfall taxes imposed by the state.
Middle East conflict raises further energy risks
Orbán also linked Hungary’s energy concerns to escalating tensions in the Middle East following Israeli and US strikes on Iran. He noted that Iran is one of the world’s largest oil producers and plays a critical role in global supply routes, including maritime chokepoints that could be closed in the event of wider conflict.
Why should Ukraine facilitate the transport and sale of Russian oil that funds Russia and its’ military? It is complete insanity to ignore that. Blockade Russian oil! Buy your stinking oil from non-Russian sources. Hungary has the Adria pipeline available. There are no excuses and Hungary is under no threat of being without oil supply.
Notice Mouton does not post on weekends. Mouton we are waiting for you to get back to your Russian workplace first thing Monday morning to post. Don’t be surprised to see posts showing up from Mouton around 10am Central European Time.
Oh , my Dear Larry – you watched a few too many James Bond movies.