Hungary to Stop Gas Supply to Ukraine Over Pipeline Dispute

Hungary has announced plans to gradually halt natural gas supplies to Ukraine amid an ongoing dispute over oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the decision follows the disruption of oil deliveries through the pipeline since January 27. He stressed that Hungary’s priority is to protect its own energy security and maintain stable prices for domestic consumers.

Under a new government directive, Hungary’s gas transmission operator will not hold auctions for gas shipments to Ukraine in the third quarter of 2026. Authorities also plan to store additional gas domestically to strengthen national reserves.

Hungarian officials, including political director Balázs Orbán, said the move is aimed at safeguarding national interests. He added that remaining gas supplies will be redirected to domestic storage.

Hungary and Slovakia have blamed Ukraine for the disruption of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline. However, Kyiv says the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone attack and repair work is ongoing.

The dispute has already led Hungary and Slovakia to halt diesel exports to Ukraine earlier this year. Hungary has also blocked further European Union sanctions related to Russia.

Ukraine has warned that a halt in gas transit could cost Hungary more than $1 billion in annual revenue. Hungarian gas currently accounts for a significant portion of Ukraine’s imports.

Despite the announcement, gas flows from Hungary to Ukraine remain steady for now, with daily supply volumes largely unchanged in recent days.

The issue comes at a time of heightened political tension in Hungary ahead of upcoming elections. Disagreements between Hungary, the European Union, and Ukraine over energy and geopolitical issues continue to deepen.