Government declares state of energy emergency!
Hungary’s government has declared a state of energy emergency and has approved seven measures that will include limiting the price caps on gas and electricity to average consumption levels from August 1, the prime minister’s chief of staff said on Wednesday.
The protracted war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed by Brussels on Russia have led to a dramatic increase in energy prices throughout Europe, causing an energy crisis in a large part of the continent, Gergely Gulyás told a regular press briefing.
It has also become clear in the recent months that as things stand, Europe will most likely not have enough gas for the autumn and winter heating season, he said.
Therefore, in the interest of protecting Hungarian families and the economy’s energy supply, the government has followed the example of several other European countries and has declared a state of energy emergency, Gulyas said. It has also approved a plan of seven measures that will enter into effect in August, he added.
Gulyás said the measures would ensure that the country has enough energy in the winter and that the scheme to cap utility bills can be upheld.
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Detailing the government’s seven-point plan, he said domestic gas production will be increased from an annual 1.5 billion to 2 billion cubic metres. Citing a ministry report, he said the extraction of gas fields could be increased further. Gas prices are high enough that it is even worth using more expensive technologies in gas extraction, he added.
The government has also mandated the minister of foreign affairs and trade to procure more gas, Gulyás said. Hungary’s natural gas storage facilities are currently 44 percent full, which is enough for three months, he said, adding that the aim was to have as much gas available as possible.
As part of the measures, the government is also introducing an export ban for energy, including firewood, Gulyás said.
Also, lignite extraction will be stepped up and the blocks at the coal-fired Matra power plant will be restarted, he said. The government will also initiate extending the lifespan of the Paks nuclear power plant, he added.
Meanwhile, he said a blanket cap on electricity and gas prices was “simply unaffordable in the current wartime energy crisis”. The utility price cap scheme will therefore be limited to average consumption levels from August 1. Those who consume more energy than the average will have to pay the market price, he explained.
Average monthly electricity consumption in Hungary is 210 kWh, while an average household consumes 144 cubic meters of gas a month, Gulyás said. Three quarters of households will not be affected by the change because their consumption is below the average level, he said, adding that market prices will only apply to consumption over the average for the remaining one quarter of households as well.
Szilárd Németh, the government commissioner in charge of the utility price cap scheme, said large families will continue pay the reduced gas prices, but a consumption limit for the caps will remain in place. Going forward the consumption threshold for the reduced gas price for a family with three children will rise to 2,329 cubic metres a year from 1,729 cubic metres, he said. The threshold increases by 300 cubic metres for every additional child, he added.
The government’s new measure and the utility protection fund aim to ensure that the utility price cap scheme can remain in place, Németh said.
He said that under the scheme, an average consumer’s monthly electricity bill comes to 7,750 (EUR 19) forints, which would be 50,833 forints without the utility price cap. Meanwhile, the average monthly gas bill totals 15,833 forints rather than 131,441 forints thanks to the scheme, he said.
The scheme saves consumers 158,691 forints a month, Németh said.
Read alsoFilling up gas reserves key to economic stability
Source: MTI
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3 Comments
I particularly like the export ban on energy. First of all, there is a 2017 EU Regulation concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply – which includes solidarity provisions. Secondly – we are a landlocked country with approximately 3 billion cubic meters in storage – and 10 billion cubic meters of annual gas consumption… So – what if other countries also refuse to export – and supply us? Where exactly will Mr. Szijjártó procure more gas from? Invoke his Russian Order of Friendship, again?
Lastly – DNH – could somebody fact check Mr. Gulyás’ claim that “several other European countries … declared a state of energy emergency” and we are merely following? I believe you will find this claim to be incorrect. Hungary is leading the way!
Opinion – the photograph used in this article depicting Gergely Gulyas – interesting.
If it was in black & white – the image presentation, likened to a Politican post 1989 in Hungary.
It should SERIOUSLY be considered – we are in the 21st century, this stale, stiff – Conservative – right of right – image, that through a dress code centered at present day Senior Government Ministers in Hungary – rid the suits & ties – move with the times -out of the 20th century – into the “less” formal – but smartly dressed world of the 21st century – across ALL “broadsheet of life, because at the end of the day, attired in their presentation as we constantly witness – who really are you endeavouring to impress.
Read what Nelson Mandella did – dress code, when he became President of South Africa.
Obama, Pope Francis – quite a LONG list – that have “moved ” with the times.
Formality of the “need” associated with formal dress attire – will & should – through Respect & History remain.
Artistically – term used is “Bit of Colour & Movement” – which the image Gergely Gulyas – remember its the 21st century – does NOT – but likened to the 20th century.
Could it be said – that this IMAGE captured in this artical – those in Political life, in particular – turns people OFF – finding them Stale & Uninspiring – possible lacking charisma and creativity/immagination ???
The “need” to attract, interest, inspire and motivate people of the 21st century – comes back to Dress and external body presentation.
Eyeware/glasses – please not a design of 20th century but of the 21st century – that CHOICE is unending, that should include – hair design.
Don’t scare off the young youth of the day – those moving to-wards the age, permitting them to cast a vote – play a role in the FUTURE of Hungary.
21st century – present it in dress attire as it is – Smart & Casual – my Strong Recomendations to – the present “Upper” Ministry of the Hungarian Government.
Dear Norbert, we only quoted Mr Gulyas’s claim.