Hungary will temporarily halt most rail freight traffic during the evening peak from Monday as the government introduces further emergency energy-saving measures following the sharp reduction in output at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The move is expected to reduce electricity demand by up to 90 megawatt-hours per day.

Evening freight rail services to be suspended

Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced in a video message on Saturday that the government had ordered the suspension of rail freight services between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM from Monday.

According to the prime minister, the measure is designed to lower electricity consumption on the railway network during the most critical hours of the day and free up additional capacity for the national power grid.

Essential freight services exempt

Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy said the restriction would apply to most freight trains, with exemptions only for services considered essential to the national economy or critical infrastructure. These include trains transporting supplies needed to keep power stations and other key facilities operating.

Vitézy noted that similar restrictions have previously been introduced during periods of heavy snowfall, when freight traffic was temporarily limited to help maintain railway operations.

Up to 90 MWh of electricity could be saved daily

Government estimates suggest the temporary suspension of freight traffic could save between 70 and 90 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity each day.

The measure forms part of a broader package of emergency actions introduced as Hungary prepares for a significant reduction in domestic electricity generation linked to the ongoing problems at the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, whose output has been severely reduced due to the exceptionally low water level of the Danube.

Government expands energy-saving measures

Alongside the freight restrictions, the government has also announced:

  • Mandatory home working for eligible public administration employees during the first three days of next week.
  • A request for private-sector employers to allow remote working wherever possible and minimise office energy consumption.
  • The switch-off of decorative and non-essential lighting at all state institutions.
  • A call for all municipalities to implement the highest possible level of energy-saving measures.

Public urged to reduce electricity use

Vitézy also called on both businesses and households to cut electricity consumption wherever possible, particularly during the late afternoon and evening peak.

“Hungary is facing an unprecedented situation because of the shutdown of Paks, but with attention, cooperation and responsible decisions, we can keep the country running,” the minister said, urging the public to contribute to the nationwide effort.

The latest measures are part of the government’s wider response to an energy crisis triggered by the Danube’s historically low water levels, which have forced the gradual reduction of electricity generation at Hungary’s largest power plant.

Read more of our articles about the current situation: