Hungary is waiting for national consultations. The subject of Import of Russian fuels

As part of the “National Consultations” planned for October, Hungarian citizens will be asked about the attitude towards the possible abandonment of Russian energy raw materials in favor of “more expensive sources” – Balazs Hidveghi, secretary of state in the office of Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said on Facebook.

Hidveghi said that one of the questions within nationwide consultations will be: “Do you agree that Hungary should buy oil and gas from more expensive sources instead of cheaper Russian energy, even if it increases utility bills and reduces price reductions?”

Citizens will have two answers to choose from: “Yes, I agree. Hungary does not need Russian oil and gas, and the reduction of media costs should not be maintained” and “I do not agree. Hungary needs cheaper energy, and reduced media prices must be maintained because the abolition of media price reductions will dangerously increase gas bills and Hungarian families.”

The European Commission announced on Wednesday that in the “relevant time” it would present a proposal to impose import duties on Russian oil. Only Hungary and Slovakia are currently importing raw material from Russia. Both countries buy around 200-250 thousand oil barrels a day, which corresponds to about 3 percent. the total demand of the European Union for this fuel.

A representative of the Orban's office expressed the view that “these plans would increase the annual media costs of the average Hungarian household by over half a million forints (about 1300 euros)”.

The head of the Hungarian prime minister's office, Gergely Gulayas, admitted on Thursday that maintaining economic relations with Russia in the field of energy supply remains crucial for Hungary. He added that this case is not an ideological matter, but it results from geography, and informed that Prime Minister Orban presented this position to US President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening.

Taxes will be the main topic of the October “National Consultation”. Consultations are a response to publications, according to which the main opposition party of the country – Tisza – plans to raise income taxes if next year's election wins. Tiszy authorities firmly rejected these reports and recognized the vote as another attempt to strengthen the support of the ruling Fidesz before the election, scheduled for April 2026.

From Budapest Jakub Bawołek (PAP)

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